The Mediterranean Blended Burger truly is the perfect summertime burger, reminding us of vacations spent abroad. It's time to go outside and get grilling!
Whether it’s tender lamb served with kalamata olives or warm and spicy chicken shawarma, Middle Eastern dishes are packed with flavor. Luckily, there’s a way to mimic popular Mediterranean flavors without expensive lamb or time-consuming kitchen prep.
In this burger recipe, we stuck to the traditional beef (but this recipe also works well with ground lamb if you prefer!) but added diced mushrooms* to create an umami-rich, blended masterpiece. This helped keep the patties a little healthier than straight beef— by cutting down on your caloric, fat, and salt intake— (not to mention being less pricey than lamb.)
But while the savory patty is delicious, it’s the toppings that transport you to the tastes of the Mediterranean Sea! Jarred Romesco sauce brings out notes of pine nut, spicy peppers, and garlic, without the ambitious homemade effort. This tasty sauce also pairs quite romantically with sautéed onions and peppers, creamy feta, and fresh arugula. Go wild and plate with some chopped Greek salad or spicy Escarole for the authentic package.
*If you’re new to combining mushrooms with meat, be sure to read our Introduction to Blending Ground Beef & Chopped Mushrooms.