Biftekia

Biftekia is called the Greek hamburger. It might not look like your average burger, but it will blow your mind like a regular hamburger. Fried Lamb balls seasoned with aromatic herbs like mint, parsley and oregano. Homemade potato chips baked in olive oil and lemon juice. All packed in pita bread pockets drizzled with fresh tzatziki. Try these hamburgers if you love a good lamb patty.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Biftekia

500g minced Lamb

½ chopped Onion

3 minced Garlic cloves

2 tbsp chopped Mint

2 tbsp chopped Parsley

1 tbsp Oregano

1 tbsp Lemon juice

½ tbsp Lemon zest

Salt to taste

1 tsp Pepper

1 Egg

¼ cup Bread crumbs

½ cup Vegetable oil

Potatoes

7 sliced Potatoes

½ cup Lemon juice

⅔ cup Olive oil

⅔ cup Vegetable oil

1 tbsp Oregano

2 tbsp chopped Mint

Tzatziki

1 cup Greek yoghurt

½ grated Cucumber

3 chopped Garlic cloves

2 tbsp Lemon zest

Chopped Mint

8 Pita pockets

Method

Step 1- Marination

Add lamb, onions, garlic cloves, mint, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix in well. Seal the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight.

Step 2- Potatoes

Add olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon juice, oregano, and chopped mint to a bowl. Mix well, and then add the potatoes.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 200°c and line a tray with parchment. Then add the potatoes to the tray and spread till flat.

Step 4

Then add to the oven, place on the lowest rack, then bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5- Biftekia

Now take ¼ cup of marinated lamb meat and form a spherical ball. Repeat till the desired number of balls are formed.

Step 6

Then in a pot, add oil and place on high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium, add your lamb balls, and cook till golden brown. Take them out and keep them aside.

Step 7

After 45 minutes, take your fries out of the oven. Place the fried Biftekia on the tray between the fries and bake for another 25 minutes.

Step 8- Tzatziki

Add greek yoghurt, garlic, cucumber, and lemon zest to a bowl. Mix well and sprinkle some fresh mint

Step 9

After 25 minutes, take the Biftekia and fries out of the oven. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes.

Step 10- Assembly

In a pita pocket, biftekia and fries, drizzle some tzatziki and serve.

Tips

1. You can also use minced beef or equal part beef and lamb for your biftekia.

2. While cutting the potatoes, make sure the slices are the same thickness.

3. Roast the potatoes on the lowest rack to avoid charring.

4. Don't thoroughly cook the biftekia while frying; only fry till golden brown on the outside.