A traditional Greek burger...

Greek Lamb Burgers (Biftekia)

INGREDIENTS (burgers)

1. 2 lbs (1 kg) lamb or half-half lamb and lean ground beef
2. 1 small red onion, grated or very finely chopped
3. 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
4. 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
5. 1 cup (250 ml) fresh parsley, finely chopped
6. 10 mint leaves, finely chopped
7. 2 tsp (10 ml) dry oregano
8. 2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin
9. pinch of paprika
10. salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS (toppings)

1. 6 warm Greek pita bread or fancy buns
2. 6 tomato slices
3. 6 green bell pepper slices
4. 12 cucumber slices
5. Homemade Tztaziki sauce (see recipe) or commercial
6. red onions slices to taste
7. Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
8. Crumbled feta cheese to taste

PREPARATION (Roll mouse over icons below to see enlarged images)

1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
2. Prepare the meat, the onion and all the spices.
3. In a large bowl, place the meat. Add the grated / chopped onions, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin and paprika. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the oil and mix thoroughly until obtaining a uniform texture.
5. Divide the composition into 6 equal parts and form uniform patties and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. With the tip of the thumb, press lightly to form a decently wide shallow in the middle. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Cook for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Turn halfway through. Top each burger with 1 tomato slices, 1 green bell pepper slice, 2 cucumber slices, homemade Tztaziki (see recipe) or commercial sauce, red onions slices, Kalamata olives slices and crumbled feta cheese to taste. Serve hot in pita or fancy buns.