Grill/Barbecue

Pistachio Lamb Burger with Tzatziki

by:
June 25, 2014
4.5
2 Ratings
Pistachio Lamb Burger with Tzatziki
Photo by James Ransom
  • Makes 4
Author Notes

The taste of lamb and tzatziki brings me back to my college days when I studied in Athens for a bit. These burgers are super flavorful and always a hit, even with burger traditionalists! —Laurie

Test Kitchen Notes

What a terrific change of pace! This simple, yet elegant variation on a classic burger is a delightfully easy way to pep up the grilling rotation. The pistachios are perfection with the rich, unctuous flavor of the lamb. And the refreshing tangy yogurt combined with the cucumber provides a perfect counterpart. We will be making these burgers many more times this summer. —lmikkel

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Pistachio Lamb Burgers
  • 3/4 cup pistachios, shelled
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Tzatziki
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 small seedless cucumber, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
  1. Pistachio Lamb Burgers
  2. Finely grind pistachios in food processor. In a bowl, combine ground pistachios with lamb and spices, mixing with your hands just until combined. Divide mixture into four portions and gently pat into a burger shape. Cook on a hot grill about 4 minutes per side. Serve on grilled buns with tzatziki sauce.
  1. Tzatziki
  2. Combine all ingredients and chill for an hour before serving.
Tags:
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Yanni Babelis
    Yanni Babelis
  • SophieL
    SophieL
  • David Stock
    David Stock
  • Ruth Hall
    Ruth Hall
  • Mark Perino
    Mark Perino

Popular on Food52

10 Reviews

Yanni B.
Yanni B. January 19, 2018
Forgot the chopped dill for the tzatziki...
 
Laurie
Laurie January 21, 2018
I know dill or mint are traditional but I'm not crazy about those flavors so I leave it out. You could add a tablespoon fresh of either if you like.
 
trbriones
trbriones October 20, 2016
This ROCKED. Thank you!
 
SophieL
SophieL June 7, 2016
These lamb burgers were a great change of pace for us, and were so easy to make. The yogurt-cucumber sauce was also so easy and really made the dish.
 
Barb
Barb May 31, 2016
These were fantastic--I used toasted mini brioche buns from my local bakery and made sliders. The second day I added fresh mint to the sauce which only improved it.
 
Damian A.
Damian A. October 30, 2014
Love the combination of lamb and tzatzizi, will have to try this one. Made my own lamb, pistachio and paprika burgers here: http://loxstockandbagels.blogspot.com/2014/10/lamb-paprika-and-pistachio-burgers.html?m=1
 
David S.
David S. July 29, 2014
I ground up Lamb shoulder will make again
 
Ruth H.
Ruth H. July 29, 2014
Really moreish & easy to throw together for a mid week meal. I like a real flavour kick so toasted and ground the cumin seeds and added some mint to the tzatziki. We will definitely be making this again!
 
David S.
David S. July 26, 2014
made is last night big hit
 
Mark P.
Mark P. July 23, 2014
Lamb + Tzatziki is a great flavor combination. The Tate Modern serves a Smoked Pulled Lamb BBQ with Tzatziki that is superb.