Step by Step: Lamb Kofta Burgers

Burger season is upon us, and I couldn’t be happier. Who doesn’t love a big, juicy burger, loaded with all your favourite toppings? While beef is usually my go-to meat of choice, I occasionally like to shake things up with spiced ground lamb, for an entirely different flavour profile. These burgers are giving me Middle Eastern Kofta vibes and I’m totally here for it.  

If you’re not familiar, Kofta is a Middle Eastern dish made from ground lamb (or beef), mixed with onions, garlic, aromatic spices, and herbs. The mixture is shaped into balls, logs, or patties, then grilled and served with pita, hummus, and tahini. There are endless variations of Kofta throughout the Middle East and into the Mediterranean as well. Ground nuts such as walnuts, pine nuts, and almonds can be added to the meat for a depth of flavour, as well as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.  

Cilantro is popular, but I like the freshness of mint and parsley in this recipe. Once the mixture is combined, you can shape it into burger patties and either pan-fry or fire up the grill. Either way is wonderful, and I can assure you that if you weren’t already hungry, one whiff of these cooking and your mouth will surely be watering.  

The great thing about these Lamb Kofta burgers is how customizable they are. Fresh cucumber and tomato slices are a must, but I quite like the addition of roasted (or grilled) vegetables as well. Pickled red onions add a lovely tang, and believe me, once you have them in your refrigerator, you’ll find yourself putting them on everything.  

I swapped mayo for a creamy tzatziki, and slices of cheese for crumbled feta. Tuck in whatever greens have your fancy, as well as snippets of fresh herbs. While you can opt for traditional burger buns here, it’s fun to slide a lamb burger into sliced warm pita bread. Arrange all the toppings on a platter and let your dinner guests customize their burgers as they like.