Skip to main content

Spiced Lamb Burger

4.5

(40)

Image may contain Food Bread Animal Seafood Sea Life Lobster Hot Dog and Pita
Spiced Lamb BurgerPhoto by Peden & Munk

As the lamb cooks inside the pita, the fat will render into the bread, creating a crunchy, compact, vibrantly flavored meat pie that's unlike any burger you've ever had.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds ground lamb, preferably shoulder
1 medium onion, very finely chopped
3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teasoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for grilling
8 thick medium pita breads with pockets

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Using a fork, mix lamb, onion, parsley, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup oil in a large bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

    Step 2

    Prepare grill for medium heat and oil grate. Working one at a time, open each pita pocket by cutting along seam, halfway around perimeter. Spoon filling into pitas, spreading to edges. Close, pressing on filling to seal.

    Step 3

    Grill pitas until filling is cooked through and bread is crisp, about 5 minutes per side.

    Step 4

    Do ahead: Filling can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep chilled. Pita breads can be stuffed 1 hour ahead; cover and chill.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Serve these as you would falafel: in a pita, on top of a salad, or as a snack with a dip.
A pinch of sugar in the spice rub ensures picture-perfect grill marks with layers of flavor.
This side dish is flavorful enough to also serve as a main course.
Golden beets, hot Italian sausage, and sage come together to make a quick and comforting pasta that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
This speedy Spanish dish of shrimp cooked in olive oil and garlic can be a main or appetizer. It all depends on how you dress it up.
This custardy and comforting tofu comes together in minutes, all thanks to your microwave. Serve with rice or bread for an easy meal.
“No one complains about it being vegan because they can’t tell the difference.”
Our best Salisbury steak recipe takes the nostalgic dish up a notch thanks to caramelized shallots, mushroom gravy, zippy mustard powder, and lots of parsley.