Juicy herb-packed lamb burgers served with roasted balsamic tomatoes and whipped feta.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Roast Tomatoes

250 g baby tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
¼ C (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Lamb Patties

500 g lamb mince
½ onion, finely grated and liquid squeezed out
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 Tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped mint
2 Tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped parsley
1 Tbsp (15 ml) coriander, finely chopped
½ C (125 ml) panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste

Whipped Feta

150 g feta cheese
200 g cream cheese, room temperature
2 Tbsp (30 ml) yoghurt
1 small garlic clove
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 Tbsp (30 ml) chives, finely chopped

To Serve

4 brioche burger buns, sliced and buttered
50 g pistachio nuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Wild rocket
Skinny fries, cooked according to the package instructions

Method

Roast Tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Toss the tomatoes with garlic, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and seasoning. Roast for 20–25 minutes until softened and slightly charred. 

Lamb Patties

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well without overworking. Shape into patties roughly the same size as the buns. Cook the patties in a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil for about 4 minutes per side for a medium finish, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness. Alternatively, cook over a medium-heat braai for a smoky, charred flavour.

Whipped Feta

Blend the feta, cream cheese, yoghurt, garlic, lemon zest and juice in a food processor or with a stick blender until smooth. Season and fold through the chives.

To Serve

Slice the buns and butter each side, then toast in the same pan until golden. Assemble by starting with a dollop of whipped feta on the base of each bun, and top with rocket. Follow with a lamb patty, and a generous spoonful of roasted tomatoes. Add another dollop of whipped feta and rocket. Garnish with toasted pistachios, and serve with skinny fries on the side.