Lamb burgers

By LittleValley

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground lamb
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 rounds pita bread, sliced into pockets and toasted

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the lamb with the shallot, garlic, thyme, pepper, and salt. Form 4 patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. Place on a medium-hot grill and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side. (To cook on a stovetop, heat the oil in a grill pan over medium heat and cook the patties 6 minutes per side.) Serve in the pita pockets and top with Cucumber-Mint Relish, if desired (recipe, below), and mint leaves to taste.

cucumber-mint relish
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek), 1/2 cucumber (halved, seeded, and thinly sliced), 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well.