Feta & Tomato-Topped Greek Burgers

Name: Feta & Tomato-Topped Greek Burgers
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 4 medium tomatoes, sliced; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup pitted Greek olives, coarsely chopped; 3 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; BURGERS:; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon snipped fresh rosemary leaves; 2 garlic cloves, peeled; 1/2 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1-3/4 pounds ground beef; 1/4 pound ground lamb; 6 whole pita breads, warmed

A cooking class that taught me to make my own pita bread inspired me to create this "Greek" burger. The beef-lamb mixture is an interesting change of pace, and the fresh tomato-feta salad adds a delightful, summery taste. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Ingredients

4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup pitted Greek olives, coarsely chopped
3 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
BURGERS:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon snipped fresh rosemary leaves
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-3/4 pounds ground beef
1/4 pound ground lamb
6 whole pita breads, warmed

Directions

In a large bowl, combine first 10 ingredients; set aside. For burgers, place oil, wine, vinegar, thyme, rosemary and garlic in a food processor; cover and process until blended.
In a large bowl, combine oil mixture, bread crumbs and salt. Crumble beef and lamb over mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties.
Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Serve burgers on pita breads with tomato mixture.

Nutrition Facts

1 burger with 3/4 cup topping and 1 pita bread: 698 calories, 40g fat (12g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1691mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.

Originally published as Greek Summer Burst of Flavor Burger in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2012