Moroccan Spiced Lamb Burgers

Ingredients

• lean lamb
• yellow onion
• fresh breadcrumb
• of fresh mint
• garlic cloves
• ground cumin
• ground coriander
• salt
• ground cayenne pepper
• tomatoes
• fresh cilantro
• whole wheat pita bread
• plain yogurt
• alfalfa sprout

Preparation

1. 1in a bowl , combine the lamb , onion , bread crumbs , mint , garlic , cumin , coriander , 3 / 4 tsp salt , and the cayenne
2. 2using your hands , mix gently but thoroughly
3. 3divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into an oval patty about 4 1 / 2 inches long and about 3 / 4 inch thick
4. 4in a small bowl , stir together the tomato and cilantro and season with salt
5. 5let the patties and the tomato mixture stand at room temperature for 15 minutes , or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours
6. 6if refrigerated , remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling
7. 7prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over high heat
8. 8grill the burgers over the hottest part of a charcoal fire or directly over the heat elements of a gas grill , turning once , until nicely charred and cooked to your liking , 5-6 minutes per side for medium
9. 9about 1 minute before the burgers are done , place the pita breads along the edges of a charcoal grill where the heat is less intense , or on an area of a gas grill with lower heat , so they can warm
10. 10to assemble the sandwiches , coat the pockets of the pita breads lightly with some of the yogurt , then slip a lamb burger into each bread
11. 11add the tomato mixture , sprouts , and the remaining yogurt , or serve these condiments on the side