minty lamb burgers with tzatziki and spicy cous cous.

shopping list

for the minty lamb burgers

♥ 500g minced lamb

♥ 2 tsps dried mint
♥ half a red onion, chopped
♥ half a beaten egg

for the cous cous

♥ 200g cous cous
♥ 350ml chicken stock

♥ two teaspoons ground coriander
♥ one teaspoon of crushed chillies

for the tzatziki

♥ 200g natural greek style yoghurt
♥ half a cucumber
♥ a dash of extra virgin olive oil
♥ two teaspoons lemon juice
♥ two cloves of finely chopped or crushed garlic

♥ a sprinkle of paprika

these measurements make around twelve small patties, eight larger ones and a bowl of cous cous and dip to serve four. perfect for this (if not rather early) barbecue season.

for the burgers
begin by throwing the minced lamb, mint and chopped onions into a bowl like so. use your hands to squidge the mixture into a ball, using the beaten egg to help keep it together. this stage is done when you are happy that the onions and mint have been evenly mixed throughout. don't be a afraid to add a little more mint if desired.

next, portion the mixture into patties. roll into balls
and then press gently to make sure the burger isn't too thick to cook evenly. sprinkle a little more mint if you like. for a burger size i would say this makes around eight. for an alternative, make twenty really small balls and serve in a pitta with the tzatziki as a lamb kofta.

pan fry for around ten minutes, grill for fifteen or

barbecue for, well, however long it takes. delicately turn them half way through and for best results only move or turn a couple of times. and you're done. now onto the other part of the meal, which of course, blue peter style, you would've made earlier.

for the cous cous

the cous cous is probably the most simple part to make.

plain cous cous is a really versatile for being able to add your own seasoning or spice to compliment your tastes or main dish. for mine i mixed the cous cous, butter, crushed chillies and coriander like so. then carefully pour over the hot chicken stock and cover. then, just leave it to do its magic and absorb the stock. leave on the side for a little while before keeping cool in the fridge.

for the tzatzikipeel the cucumber, de-seed and chop into chunks. i personally prefer a more chunky dip but the cucumber can be more traditionally grated into the yoghurt. next, add the lemon juice and other components to the yoghurt, sprinkle with paprika and you're done.

the tzatziki is especially yummy if you've made your

cous cous super spicy. serve around the table for a fun and sociable meal or barbecue. kalí óreksi!