Grilled Lamb Burgers

Happy Lambrusco Day! Lambrusco Day is June 21.   Lambrusco red sparkling wine boasts vibrant effervescence and a refreshing taste, hailing from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.   If you grew up in the 70s or 80s, you remember Riunite Lambrusco commercials with their cheesy catchphrase, "Riunite on ice is twice as nice."  Known for its fruity, sweet flavor served in the liter bottles. Leaving the impression that Lambrusco is a one-note wine. 

There are several styles of Lambrusco, dry to semi-sweet. It has a delightful balance of fruity flavors and acidity.   Cherry, raspberry, and blackberry are the prominent flavors, accompanied by earthy and floral aromas. Lambrusco wine is best served chilled.

Lambrusco's versatility extends to its food pairings as well. It extends beyond traditional Italian dishes. Lambrusco pairs well with rich cheeses, charcuterie appetizers, and grilled meats. A chilled, dry Lambrusco is an ideal pairing with a grilled lamb burger. Lambrusco's fresh berry flavors, hints of dry herbs, and mild effervescence are a classic compliment to the burger's smoky and earthy flavors. 

This lamb burger recipe requires minimal preparation and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Top it with a whipped feta sauce. The burgers are flavorful and juicy. Garnish with cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, and tomatoes.   I serve these on a potato bun. I love a good potato bun. 

June is grilling month.  The Grilled Lamb Burger recipe is the fourth in our series.  If you missed the earlier recipes, click the links below.

Share your feedback with us. Email us at hello@thewineconcierge.co. Don't forget to tag us on Facebook or Instagram @thewineconciergeclub with your pictures. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped herbs such as oregano, dill, mint, chives or parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 lemon zested and juiced
  • 4 burger buns, toasted if desired
  • Sliced tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, lettuce for serving (optional)

 Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to high heat
  2. Gently knead lamb, garlic, mixed herbs, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Form into four patties.
  4. Add burgers to grill and cook until browned on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the lamb burgers reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium or 145°F for medium-well, 3 to 5 minutes longer.
  5. Let burgers rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Puree feta, yogurt, lemon juice, and zest in a food processor or mash by hand with a fork.
  7. Spread whipped feta over the buns. Top with burgers. Add optional toppings if desired.

Wine Recommendations 

NV Venturini Baldini "Rubino Del Cerro" Reggiano Lambrusco Sparkling DOP, Italy

NV Lini 910 'Labrusca' Rosso, Lambrusco dell' Emilia Rosso IGP, Italy

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