Gyro Burgers with Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

Gyro Burgers with Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
Gyro Burgers
1 pound ground lamb*
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, finely chopped or grated
1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 red onion, sliced for garnish
1 tomato, sliced for garnish
2 cups lettuce, shredded for garnish
4 pitas, halved

*You can use ground chuck in place of lamb (available from your butcher), or even combine both meats for a unique flavor.

Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
3 mint leaves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt

Tip: We love the bold, earthy flavor of dried herbs in this recipe, but you can use fresh versions of rosemary and marjoram, too. Since dried herbs are stronger, use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of dried.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the lamb, garlic, onion, marjoram and rosemary with clean hands.
2. Shape the meat into 4 evenly sized patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill over medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer registers 160°F.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce ingredients, stirring until well-blended and smooth.
4. Place each patty in a halved pita. Garnish with onion, tomato, lettuce and Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce, then serve.

Tip: For perfectly even patties, pat your meat into the bottom of the bowl, then score it into four quadrants with the side of your hand.