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How to Make Chef John's Lamb Moussaka Burger - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Lamb Moussaka Burger is a delicious and inventive twist on the classic Greek dish. This mouthwatering burger takes all the flavors of traditional moussaka - ground lamb, eggplant, and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce - and combines them in a juicy, satisfying patty that's perfect for grilling.

Chef John has taken his expertise in Mediterranean cuisine and applied it to the beloved burger, creating a unique and flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends. The co...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups diced eggplant
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • salt to taste
  • 8 slices tomato
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
  • 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 burgers

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir diced onion with 1 teaspoon salt until onion is slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add eggplant, reduce heat to medium, and cook and stir until eggplant is opaque and softened, 3 to 5 minutes more.
  • Stir garlic, 1 teaspoon black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano into eggplant mixture; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste; cook and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a plate and cool completely. Cover plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 15 minutes.
  • Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and flour together in a saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour milk into butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly as it simmers and forms a smooth, thick sauce, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with nutmeg, a pinch black pepper, and a pinch cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and stir Parmesan cheese into milk mixture until melted.
  • Combine lamb, chilled eggplant mixture, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl. Form into four patties and place on a plate. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate until just before cooking.
  • Place tomato slices in a shallow bowl. Season tomatoes with chopped mint, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Pour rice vinegar over the top and toss to coat.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook burgers until slightly pink in the center, about 4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium.
  • Spread desired amount of cheese sauce onto both sides of each hamburger bun. Place burger on bottom bun, place 2 tomato slices atop the burger, and place top half of the bun over the tomatoes.

    • Nutrition

    620 cal.

    • Total Fat: 37g
    • Saturated Fat: 12g
    • Cholesterol: 90mg
    • Sodium: 1133mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 40g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 31g
    • Vitamin C: 14mg
    • Calcium: 298mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 797mg

    Categories

    Lamb recipes
    Burger recipes
    Main recipes
    Greek recipes