The sweet promise of summer in the Pacific Northwest! It’s the season of sizzle and smoke, of laughter and clinking glasses, and most importantly, of mouthwatering dishes that become the centerpiece of our cherished memories. Today, I’m beyond excited to dive into a culinary creation that’s sure to be the star of your summer soirées: Lamb Sliders with Feta Sauce.
These little bundles of joy are not just any ordinary sliders. They are a testament to the vibrant flavors of local American lamb, lovingly crafted with a tangy feta sauce, a crunchy cabbage slaw, and the sweet melody of caramelized onions. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of local produce, of supporting our hardworking farmers and ranchers, and of the simple pleasure that comes from a meal made with care and shared with friends.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
The key to a great slider is the balance of flavors and textures, and with our lamb sliders, we’re aiming for nothing short of perfection. The rich, robust flavor of American ground lamb serves as the foundation of our sliders. This naturally fatty meat is ideal for burgers, as it remains juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process. When selecting your lamb, remember to opt for local, American lamb to ensure freshness and to support our local ranchers.
The onions play a dual role in this recipe, bringing both moisture and sweetness to the sliders. Finely diced onions are mixed into the burger mixture, releasing moisture as they cook and ensuring each bite is perfectly tender. The second oniony delight comes in the form of caramelized onions, which add a layer of sweet complexity to the sliders. The beauty of caramelized onions is that they can be prepared ahead of time, making your grilling day a breeze.
Spices are the soul of any great dish, and for our lamb sliders, we’re drawing inspiration from the Middle East. The mixed spices, or 7 Spices blend, is a combination of allspice, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. This blend imparts a distinct warmth and depth to the sliders, enveloping the lamb in a cloak of aromatic goodness. If you’re unable to find this blend, allspice can be used as a substitute, but the full mixture is recommended for an authentic flavor experience.
Mint, the classic accompaniment to lamb, is used in two forms in our sliders. Dried mint is mixed directly into the burger patties, infusing them with a concentrated burst of flavor. Fresh mint, on the other hand, is reserved for the feta sauce, where it adds a refreshing, herbaceous note without overpowering the other ingredients.
The Magic of Feta Sauce
Feta cheese, with its unique briny tang, is transformed into a creamy sauce that complements the lamb beautifully. If you have the option, choose a whole block of feta over crumbled, as it retains more flavor and texture. The feta sauce doubles as a dressing for the cabbage slaw, tying the components of the slider together with its creamy goodness.
Labneh or sour cream is incorporated into the feta sauce to achieve a smooth and luxurious texture. If these are not available, plain Greek yogurt is a suitable alternative. The sauce should be processed until smooth, with water added to reach the desired consistency for dressing the slaw or spreading on the sliders.
Preparing and Assembling the Sliders
Preparing these sliders is a breeze, and the best part? You can do most of the work ahead of time. Begin by combining the ground lamb with the diced onion, mixed spices, kosher salt, black pepper, dried mint, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly, then form the mixture into 3.5oz patties. These can be grilled immediately or refrigerated until ready to cook.
Caramelizing onions is a labor of love, but the result is well worth the effort. Begin with more onions than you think you’ll need, as they will reduce significantly during the cooking process. Cook them slowly and patiently until they reach a deep, dark brown color, which indicates they have fully caramelized. These can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
When it comes to grilling the lamb sliders, the key is to avoid high heat, which can cause flare-ups due to the fat content of the lamb. A medium heat on a traditional grill or medium-high on a flat top grill or stovetop grill pan is ideal. Cook the sliders until they are browned on one side, then flip and continue cooking to your desired level of doneness. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160 degrees F for ground lamb.
As you assemble your sliders, top each patty with a generous dollop of feta sauce, a heap of cabbage slaw, and a spoonful of caramelized onions. Place each slider on a bun or lettuce leaf, and you’re ready to serve a dish that’s sure to impress.
A Celebration of Local Flavors
These lamb sliders with feta sauce are a testament to the power of fresh, local ingredients and the magic of combining bold flavors. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience, a journey through taste that celebrates the best of summer grilling. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy the perfect bite of summer. This dish not only delights the taste buds but also supports local farmers and ranchers, making it a truly fulfilling culinary adventure.
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Lamb Sliders with Feta Sauce
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