Ingredients

  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 red onions, 1 cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 sliced, forgarnish
  • Kosher salt
  • Pinch crushed red pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely smashed
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 1/2 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 4 whole wheat pitas or 4 seeded hamburger buns
  • Feta Tzatziki Spread, recipe follows
  • 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced, for garnish
  • 2 cups baby spinach, for garnish
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint, leaves cut into chiffonade
  • 1 small bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 English cucumber, coarsely grated
  • Kosher salt

Method

  • Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, toss in the diced onions and season with salt and crushed red pepper.
  • Bring the pan to medium-high heat and cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 4 more minutes.
  • Turn the heat off and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the lamb, the cooled onion mixture, the oregano, dill, mint, lemon zest and 1/2 to 3/4 cup water.
  • Sprinkle with salt and combine well.
  • Make a little "tester patty."
  • Cook it and taste for seasoning.
  • Preheat the grill.
  • Form the lamb mixture into 4 equal patties and sprinkle with salt.
  • Grill the burgers to your desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • Remove the burgers from the grill and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Cut the pitas in half.
  • Schmear each half generously with the Feta Tzatziki Spread.
  • Top one half with a burger, then tomatoes, sliced onions and spinach.
  • Place the other pita half on top.
  • Combine the yogurt, feta, vinegar, garlic, mint, dill and cucumbers.
  • Season with salt.
  • Let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving.