Grilled Lamb Burgers with Rosemary Mash

These tasty burgers are not only spicy, but rich and savoury. Ground lamb offers a wonderful alternative to your 'Everyday beef burger' which is juxtaposed by the creamy rosemary mash. In order to create light and fluffy mash potatoes, use a hand beater to mix the potatoes to any desired consistency. 

I would like to dedicate this recipe to all of the Pancake Breakfast Volunteers at St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts in Lowertown, Ottawa.

Alcohol Pairings:

Beer: Beyond the Pale Rye Guy

Wine: Ontario Meritage (Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon blend)

Yields: 6 meat patties 

What you need:

1 package of fresh ground lamb

3 cloves of chopped garlic

1 tbs. chopped rosemary

1 tbs. chopped parsley

1 egg

2 chopped scallions

2 tbs. chopped red onion

1/2 Scotch Bonnet pepper, chopped

1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt

1/2 tsp. black ground pepper

2 sliced onions

6 kaiser rolls

lettuce and alfalfa sprouts for garnish

Rosemary Mash

7 medium boiled potatoes

1/3 c. 2% milk

1/3 c. butter

2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 tbs. chopped rosemary

1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt

1/2 tsp. black ground pepper

How to make it happen:

1. Preheat the oven in a 350 degree oven.

2. In a bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped garlic, rosemary, parsley, scallions, Scotch Bonnet pepper, egg, salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated.

3. Next, form the meat into one ounce balls (or patties), and set aside. (1 package of ground lamb should yield 5-6 burgers).

4. In a separate bowl, wash and peel the potatoes and place in a medium pot. Boil the potatoes for 35-40 minutes on medium to high heat until the potatoes are tender. (Note: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, make sure they are all cut to the same size).

5. Next, cut the onions into 1/2 inch pieces and place six sliced onions onto a baking sheet. Place the lamb patties on the onion slices. (Note: This does not only ensure the burger is cooked thoroughly but it also enhances the flavour of the lamb.

Place the lamb patties on the onion slices to help enhance the flavour

6. Cook the burgers in a 350 degree oven for 25- 30 minutes. Once they are cooked, let the burgers stand on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes to ensure the lamb is kept moist and juicy.

7. Drain the water from the potatoes and place into a separate bowl. Add the milk, butter, olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper to the cooked potatoes and mix using a hand mixer. Mix the ingredients together for 3-4 minutes or until the potatoes are light and fluffy.

8. Plate the lamb burgers on individual Kaiser rolls and garnish with salad and alfalfa sprouts. Use an ice cream scoop to plate the mashed potatoes and drizzle with olive oil and a sprig of rosemary.