Mediterranean Inspired Burger Bowls

Mediterranean Inspired Burger Bowls

These bowls are a flavor explosion of fresh veggies, savory protein, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all inspired by the deliciousness of the Mediterranean. You can choose between juicy lamb burgers or falafel for the protein base, making this recipe customizable for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients:

• For the Lamb Burgers (makes 4):
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
• For the Falafel (makes about 12 falafel balls):
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
• For the Bowls:
  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, romaine, spinach, etc.)
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • Tzatziki Sauce:
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1/2 cucumber, grated
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1/2 lemon, juiced
    • Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and dill (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Lamb Burgers: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, red onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 4 equal patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Prepare the Falafel (if using): In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped but still holds its shape. Form the mixture into 12 small balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook falafel for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide mixed greens among bowls. Top with diced cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onion (if using), and bell pepper. Add cooked lamb burgers or falafel to each bowl. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Leftover cooked lamb or falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• For a vegetarian option, skip the lamb burgers and make a double batch of falafel.
• Get creative with the vegetables! You can add other chopped veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or roasted red peppers.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use 1 tablespoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried oregano for the lamb burgers and falafel.
• To make the tzatziki sauce thicker, you can strain the grated cucumber to remove excess moisture before adding it to the yogurt.
• Serve the bowls with pita bread or whole-wheat crackers for scooping.