Cumin-Infused Lamb Burgers with Creamy Red Onion Sauce

1. Prepare Creamy Red Onion Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the plain whole-milk yogurt, one-third of the finely chopped red onion, ground cumin, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a bit of coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Prepare Lamb Patties

In a medium bowl, combine the ground lamb with the remaining chopped red onion, ground allspice, one teaspoon of coarse kosher salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into four patties, each about 0.5 inches thick.

3. Cook Lamb Patties

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush the lamb patties with olive oil and cook them in the hot pan for about five minutes on each side, or until they reach medium doneness. The patties should be nicely browned on the outside and juicy inside.

4. Prepare Buns or Pita Bread

If using hamburger buns, preheat the broiler. Brush the buns lightly with olive oil and broil them for about two minutes until they start to brown and become crisp. For pita bread, use a knife to cut about 0.5 inches off one side of each round to create a pocket.

5. Assemble Burgers

For buns, place the bottom half of each bun on a plate, then top with a lamb patty. Spoon some of the yogurt sauce over the patty, add a few slices of tomato, and place a handful of baby spinach leaves on top. Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the spinach. For pita bread, place a cooked lamb patty inside each pita pocket with the yogurt sauce, tomato slices, and baby spinach leaves.