Recipes

Berbere Lamb Burgers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Serves 4

| Prep Time: 20 mins

| Cook Time: 10 mins

| Total Time: 30 mins

You may need: Berbere

Discover The Recipe

Experience the exotic and distinctive flavors of Ethiopian cuisine with our Berbere Lamb Burgers with Mint Yogurt Sauce. This fusion dish pays homage to the iconic Berbere spice blend, a cornerstone of East African cooking known for its bold and multifaceted profile. Our handcrafted Berbere blend features a harmonious mix of chili peppers, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, and a collection of warm, earthy spices that elevate these lamb burgers to a new level of deliciousness. Berbere's rich history is woven into Ethiopian culinary traditions, shaped by centuries of trading along ancient spice routes. Each blend is unique, often varying by region and family, giving a personal touch to every dish. Our proprietary recipe captures the essence of Berbere's complex yet balanced character, with a medium heat profile tempered by sweet undertones of cinnamon and the aromatic depths of onions and fenugreek.

Seasoned with Berbere, these lamb burgers burst with rich, smoky flavors and satisfying warmth. The succulent ground lamb, naturally rich and flavorful, absorbs the spices beautifully, creating patties that are both juicy and deeply infused with exotic notes. To complement the robust flavors of the lamb, we’ve paired the burgers with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. This cool, creamy sauce, infused with fresh mint and a touch of lemon, provides a delightful contrast to the spicy richness of the burgers. Whether you’re a seasoned spice lover or new to global flavors, these Berbere Lamb Burgers are a delicious way to explore the unique cuisine of East Africa and broaden your culinary horizons.

Ingredients

  • Berbere lamb burgers:

  • 1 lb ground lamb (or 80-90% lean ground beef if you prefer beef)

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

  • ½ Tbsp Piquant Post Berbere

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 Tbsp oil (optional), if cooking on a skillet (esp for extra lean meat) 

  • Mint Yogurt Sauce: 

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, plain

  • 2 Tbsp mint, finely chopped

  • 1 small lemon, juiced 

  • 1 clove garlic, grated 

  • ¼ tsp Piquant Post Berbere

  • A pinch of salt to taste

  • To serve: burger buns, arugula (or your favorite greens), sliced cucumbers and sliced red onions  

Notes

If using a grill, cook the patties for 2-3  minutes per side over direct heat then move them to the cooler side and finish cooking over indirect heat for another 4-5 minutes.

Instructions

In a bowl, add the ground meat and season with garlic, Piquant Post Berbere and salt. Mix to distribute the seasoning evenly. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and form each one into a patty. Set aside on a plate.  

In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mint, lemon juice, garlic, Piquant Post Berbere and salt then mix well to make the mint yogurt sauce. Set aside. 

Heat a grill or skillet over Med heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed. Cook the patties for 4-5 mins on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Remove the patties and set aside on a plate to rest for 3 mins before serving. 

Lightly toast the sliced burger buns then assemble the burger–bottom bun, arugula, patty, mint yogurt sauce, sliced cucumber, sliced red onions and top bun.     

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • These Berbere Lamb Burgers bring an exotic twist to your next backyard BBQ. Serve with our Tanzanian Slaw–a refreshingly, crunchy side salad. 

  • Mix things up with a variety of other toppings like bacon, pickled onions, and even crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, salty bite.

  • Take a break from the same ole burger bun and try grilled naan bread instead!

  • Leftover lamb patties? Then try crumbling them over a fresh salad of arugula, mint, tomatoes, and feta cheese the next day for a completely new meal

  • Our proprietary Berbere blend is versatile and can be used as a dry rub or to flavor stews with a savory and pungent heat. Try it in our recipes for Berbere Meatball Stew, Eritrean Beef Zigni, Ethiopian Gomen, and  Ethiopian Chicken with Lentils.

  • For our plant-based friends, try our Lentil Mushroom Salad with Berbere Vinaigrette, and Berbere Braised Sweet Potatoes

  • Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.

  • Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost! 

Berbere Lamb Burgers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Serves

4

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Piquant Post spice you'll need: Berbere

Ingredients

  • Berbere lamb burgers:

  • 1 lb ground lamb (or 80-90% lean ground beef if you prefer beef)

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

  • ½ Tbsp Piquant Post Berbere

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 Tbsp oil (optional), if cooking on a skillet (esp for extra lean meat) 

  • Mint Yogurt Sauce: 

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, plain

  • 2 Tbsp mint, finely chopped

  • 1 small lemon, juiced 

  • 1 clove garlic, grated 

  • ¼ tsp Piquant Post Berbere

  • A pinch of salt to taste

  • To serve: burger buns, arugula (or your favorite greens), sliced cucumbers and sliced red onions  

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, add the ground meat and season with garlic, Piquant Post Berbere and salt. Mix to distribute the seasoning evenly. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and form each one into a patty. Set aside on a plate.  

  2. In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mint, lemon juice, garlic, Piquant Post Berbere and salt then mix well to make the mint yogurt sauce. Set aside. 

  3. Heat a grill or skillet over Med heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed. Cook the patties for 4-5 mins on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Remove the patties and set aside on a plate to rest for 3 mins before serving. 

  4. Lightly toast the sliced burger buns then assemble the burger–bottom bun, arugula, patty, mint yogurt sauce, sliced cucumber, sliced red onions and top bun.     

Notes

  • If using a grill, cook the patties for 2-3  minutes per side over direct heat then move them to the cooler side and finish cooking over indirect heat for another 4-5 minutes.

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