These spice lamb patties are a whole meal that you will love to make over and over because of how easy it is to make — and its savory flavor will completely win you over.
Spring is always, to me, lamb season. This year, I wanted to expand my culinary journey by making some lamb patties—something new in our kitchen but also amazing all year long.
I love the earthiness of the lamb and the added spices, which are rich in flavor and savory. Coriander and cumin are the only spices used with this dish, bringing out the best foot forward in taste.
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The couscous is enhanced by the sweetness of the apricots and balanced off with the cumin. Couscous is the perfect side dish for lamb patties. Consistent in flavor, yet not too heavy or overpowering the flavors of your dish.
The lamb has this excellent coriander and garlic undertone, which is not overpowering and will make you return for more.
It took about 25 minutes to prepare this wonderful dish. Easy to prepare on a weeknight, even with all the bustle of life around you. A little bit of the Mediterranean in your dish
In this Article
- Why you will love this recipe
- Spiced Lamb Patties
- What is Greek Yogurt?
- Mint and Lamb
- Ingredients needed to make this recipe
- Cooking tips and step-by-step instructions to create this excellent Spiced Lamb Patties and Couscous With Apricots
- Pro Tips
- What dishes can you enjoy with a spiced lamb burger?
- Variations and Substitutions
- Storing and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- If you enjoy this dish, check out these flavorful recipes:
- Spiced Lamb Patties and Couscous with Apricots
Why you will love this recipe
Simple. This is the kind of recipe you can easily make on a weeknight or turn into a party favorite.
Different. Everyone loves burgers made from beef, but this lamb patty adds something new to the table.
Full of flavor. Not only is there lamb, but this recipe also incorporates sweet apricots, fresh mint, and tangy Greek yogurt as well as earthy and citrusy spices.
Spiced Lamb Patties
Lamb patties are crisp, and they taste less gamey than the chop. Therefore, it plays well with strong spices such as cumin, fennel, chili flakes, coriander, garlic, cayenne, and nutmeg.
Furthermore, because of the very rich flavor, it does not need much work to enjoy them.
Mixing plain yogurt or any greek style of yogurt with the lamb, the meat is tenderized by it.
I would not recommend using regular yogurt as it will be too watery and not allow the ground lamb meat to bind well.
What is Greek Yogurt?
Greek yogurt is also known as a concentrated or strained yogurt, made by eliminating the whey and other liquids from regular yogurt.
High protein content, less added sugar and a much thicker consistency.
Greek yogurt is not and should not contain thickening agents.
Fat-free yogurt can also be substituted in this recipe.
Mint and Lamb
I love mint but never was fond of mint jelly. Somehow jelly to me is breakfast, and lamb is quite the opposite. However, the mint goes wonderfully with the lamb. It brings a freshness to the earthiness of the meat.
The lamb complemented the mint.
The mint, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt combination brings to the plate a rich, flavorful sauce that bursts with freshness with each bite.
Ingredients needed to make this recipe
This is a short introduction. The ingredient list is also brief. It includes essential items that you may already have in your pantry. Please read the recipe for complete instructions.
Dried Apricots – Chop these into small chunks.
Fine Couscous – Find this easily at the grocery store.
Sodium-Free Chicken Broth – Use sodium-free so that you can control the saltiness.
Salt – A pinch of salt will bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cumin – Ground cumin adds an earthy flavor.
Ground Lamb – The star of the dish, this essential ingredient can be found at grocery stores or local butcher shops.
Greek Yogurt – Be sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt and not another variety that may be too watery.
Garlic Cloves – Mash these into a paste.
Coriander – Ground coriander adds warmth and a slight citrus flavor.
Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a warm, subtle heat.
Olive Oil – Be sure to use high-quality olive oil.
Mint – Finely chop the mint so that it is easy to incorporate.
Lemon Juice – Citrus adds a bright, zesty flavor.
Cooking tips and step-by-step instructions to create this excellent Spiced Lamb Patties and Couscous With Apricots
This recipe goes relatively fast once you start. My suggestion is to start with making the yogurt mint sauce before starting. This will allow time for the flavors to blend.
With all my recipes, please assemble all the ingredients before starting cooking and baking
- Stir together the yogurt, mint, salt, and pepper.
- Place the broth, apricots, salt, and cumin in a pan and bring to boil before adding the couscous and taking it off the heat and covering.
- Add the lamb, yogurt, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix by hand and form patties.
- Place the patties in an oiled pre-heated pan and cook, turning halfway through.
- Use a fork to fluff the couscous and mix in the seasoned oil.
Serve the patties with the couscous alongside the yogurt, all garnished with mint. Or, stuff them into a pita pocket with arugula and your own favorite toppings.
Pro Tips
This recipe goes relatively fast once you start. My suggestion is to start with making the yogurt mint sauce before starting. This will allow time for the flavors to blend.
- Before you add the couscous, watch that the chicken stock does not evaporate too much when coming to a full boil. You do not want your couscous to be too dry and form clumps.
- When cooking the spiced lamb patties, use a skillet that has high boards and cook over medium heat. The lamb contains a lot of fat which will be released while frying them. This fat will splatter; therefore, the high-side skillet will help form making a mess around your work area.
- Place the cooked patties on a cooling wire rack to release the last bit of fat before you enjoy them.
What dishes can you enjoy with a spiced lamb burger?
While this dish is perfect as-is, you can also serve it with sides. Try tomato risotto, oven baked potatoes, or cilantro lime rice for starches.
Or, try veggie-based sides like a grilled vegetable stack, roasted vegetables, or colorful rainbow carrots and broccolini.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced onions for savory flavor.
- Grill the burgers instead of pan-frying them.
- Use a yogurt sauce to go along with the burger.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- Top with feta cheese, mozzarella, or your own favorite cheese.
- Add a bit of fresh lemon juice for bright flavor.
Storing and Reheating
In an airtight container, keep these patties in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze the patties for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lamb burgers taste good?
Absolutely! Lamb burgers are full of flavor and adding some spices gives the patties a zip of deliciousness.
Does ground lamb have a strong flavor?
Ground lamb can sometimes be a little gamey. However, it’s often offset by the spices and sauces served with it.
What to serve with lamb patties?
You can serve anything with lamb patties that you would with burgers made from beef, chicken, or turkey. Veggies, starches, and bread all make for great accompaniments.
How do you know when lamb patties are cooked?
Lamb should have an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to be completely cooked.
If you enjoy this dish, check out these flavorful recipes:
Equipment and ingredients needed to prepare this dish
Spiced Lamb Patties and Couscous with Apricots
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried apricots ½ cup dried apricots cut into small chunks
- 1½ cup fine couscous 1½ cup fine couscous
- 2 cups sodium-free chicken broth 2 cups sodium-free chicken broth
- salt salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1½ pound ground lamb 1½ pound ground lamb
- 6 tablespoons Greek yogurt 6 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves 3 large garlic cloves, mashed to a paste with a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- black pepper Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mint 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine 4 tablespoons yogurt, 1 ½ tablespoons mint, salt and pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, apricots, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cumin. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the couscous, remove from the heat, and cover. Let it sit until all the liquid has been absorbed, timing according to packing direction.
- Meanwhile in a bowl combine the lamb, 1 tablespoon of yogurt, the garlic, coriander, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix by hand making sure you do not overmix the mixture. Shape into 8 equal patties.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the patties and cook, turning once. Once browned on the outside, slightly pink on the inside remove and place on a cooling rack.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork. Mix the remaining oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the couscous and patties among 4 plates. Add a dollop of the minted yogurt on the side and garnish with the remaining mint.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Beef, Veal & Lamb, Pasta, Rice & Grains, Dinners, Sunday Night Dinner
- Cuisine: International
- Occasion: Father’s Day
- Type: Under 45 minutes
Did you make this?
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Apryl Griffith
This looks delicious! My family loves lamb. The kids are going to be so excited for a new recipe! Thank you!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine. A super easy and delcious recipe.
Enjoy!
Roma
The combination of mint & apricots with lamb is absolutely divine!
Giangi Townsend
I am so happy you enjoyed it.