Greek Night

  My son was in the mood for burgers and I wanted something else other than the traditional.  I decided to do some research thur all my food magazines that I have saved for the past 15 years.  I finally found one worth trying or I was in the mood to taste I should say.  It reminded me of some greek meatballs with tomato sauce and feta cheese sprinkled on top, served with pita.  That dish is to die for!  So we had greek lamb burgers with spinach salad.  Easy and took less than 30 minutes and I just used my panini machine, to grill the burgers, so need for an outdoor bar-b-que.

greek lamb burgers with
spinach salad and red onion
4 servings

1/3 cup fresh mint
2 tsp paprika( I used smoked paprika because it's what I had @ home)
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
1 1/3 lb ground lamb  ( I found this at Whole Foods or you can buy @ Zupans)
4 hamburger buns or ciabatta rolls
1 1/2 cups baby spinach ( I used way more for salad on the side)
1 1/3 cups feta cheese ( I recommend Israeli feta from Pastaworks, it's my favorite, great taste)
thin sliced red onion ( use as much or as little as you like)
cherry tomato's
1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Mix first 4 ingredient's and a 1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl with the lamb.  I also added some feta in this point but you don't have too, and I let this mixture sit for a little while to absorb some of the flavor.  Make 4 patties and cook in a non stick skillet over medium high heat about 4 minutes per side.  I used my panini machine and it took 5 minutes. 
  While those are cooking I put the spinach in a bowl with the sliced onion, cherry tomato's, feta cheese, and tossed with the balsamic vinegar and about a tbls olive oil.  Mix together and use a little salt and pepper.  Place salad atop the burger's and some on the side!  It was a hit and will do again.  So fast and easy it can be done on a school night!