Lamb Sliders
A refreshing change to an American classic, lamb transforms your usual sliders into an unexpected and delightful burger that is easy to serve to large groups.
Serves 8
Ingredients
Cucumber-Mint Sauce:
- ½ cup seeded, coarsely grated English cucumber
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped mint
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lamb Sliders:
- 1 tablespoon whole Allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1 cardamom pod
- ¼ teaspoon chile flakes
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 pound (16-ounces) ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 dinner rolls
Procedure
For the Cucumber-Mint Sauce:
- Wrap grated cucumber in kitchen towel and squeeze dry.
- Working on a cutting board, sprinkle the minced garlic with a pinch of kosher salt. Using the side of a chefs knife, mash the salt and garlic together to form a paste.
- Transfer the garlic paste to a medium bowl and add the yogurt, mint, lemon juice and ginger; whisk to combine. Add grated cucumber and toss to coat, season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
For the Sliders:
- Combine all spices in a small, dry skillet. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring often, until spices are aromatic and toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and process until finely ground.
- Place lamb in a medium bowl and add the ground spices and salt, mix well. Using a 2-ounce scoop, divide the lamb into 8 equal balls. Flatten balls into 3-inch patties and place each patty into the burger grill basket.
- Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Place grill basket on the grill and cook sliders to desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side for medium. Split the buns in half and place on the edge of grill, cook 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Serve the sliders on the toasted buns with a dollop of cucumber sauce.
Recipe from the the Sur La Table kitchen.