1teaspoonpaprikaalso referred to as ‘sweet paprika’
1/2teaspooncinnamon
1/2teaspooncumin
1/8teaspooncayenne pepperoptional or to taste
1poundground lamb
2teaspoonsolive oil
1large red onionhalved and thinly sliced
1teaspoonbrown sugar
1/4cupbalsamic vinegar
1/2cupcrumbled feta
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Serve on a bed of arugula (about 4 ounces) or with 4 small hamburger buns
Instructions
In a large bowl, stir mint, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using) and 1 teaspoon Kosher salt.
Add lamb and mix with your hands until just combined (do not overmix). Shape mixture into four equal patties (about 4 inches across and 3/4-inch thick). Transfer burgers to a vacuum sealed bag or ziplock freezer bag (remove as much air as possible).
Heat sous vide machine to 135°F for medium-rare. Once the water is heated, add the burgers and cook for 45 minutes. You can leave the burgers in the water bath for another 1-1/4 hours if that works better for your schedule. (That means they’re fine in the bath for 2 hours.)
While the lamb burgers are cooking, prepare the balsamic onions. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Add onions and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt. Stir occasionally until the onions begin to soften and brown a little, about 10 minutes. Don’t rush – it’s okay if it takes a bit of time.
Stir in the brown sugar and cook for another 3 minutes.
Add balsamic vinegar and stir to deglaze the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer mixture for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and jammy. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. It’s okay if they cool slightly before serving as they will thicken up a bit.
Remove the cooked burgers from the bag and pat dry with a paper towel.
Heat a gas grill on high and cook the patties for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
Place each patty on a bed of arugula or small hamburger bun. Divide balsamic onions and crumbled feta cheese between the four burgers. Serve warm.
Notes
Recipe can be doubled. I recommend four lamb burgers per bag (whether vacuum seal bag or ziplock bag).
Adjust the temperature on the sous vide for medium (140°F) or medium well (145°F). Cook for the same amount of time (45 minutes). Since you’re going to finish these on the grill, they will cook a bit more.
You can finish off the sous vide burgers in a skillet on the stove if you prefer. Don’t have a sous vide? No worries, prepare the burgers as listed and cook them on a gas grill or in a skillet on top of the stove. Heat either a gas grill or skillet on top of the stove to medium-high and cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side.