Mediterranean Burgers

These burgers are an easy summertime meal. Prep and Cook Time: about 45 minutes.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 6  ounces  crumbled feta cheese
• 2  teaspoons  minced fresh oregano
• 2  teaspoons  fresh rosemary
• 3/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1  tablespoon  finely grated lemon zest
• 1 1/2  pounds  ground lamb or beef
• 1/2  cup  kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh dill
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh parsley
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 1/4  teaspoon  sugar
• 4  tablespoons  olive oil, divided
• 4  kaiser or other sandwich rolls
• 1  large tomato, sliced
• 1/4  medium English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2  medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 8  romaine lettuce leaves

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine feta cheese, oregano, rosemary, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and the lemon zest. Add ground meat and mix gently. Form into four 1-in.-thick patties.

2. In a blender, whirl olives, dill, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add 3 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. at a time, to make a smooth paste.

3. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-hot (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 in. above cooking grate only 3 to 4 seconds). Grill burgers, turning once, until browned on both sides and cooked through (cut to test), 10 to 12 minutes total.

4. Split rolls and toast cut sides on the grill. Brush toasted sides with remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil and spread each with about 1 tsp. of the olive spread. Top with burgers, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and romaine.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per burger.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

790 (56% from fat)

Protein:

43g

Fat:

49g (sat 18)

Carbohydrate:

42g

Fiber:

4.4g

Sodium:

1198mg

Cholesterol:

151mg