Lamb Burger with Cilantro Jalapeño Pesto

Who says a burger has to be made from ground beef?Escape the ordinary with these Lamb Burgers with an amazong Cilantro Jalapeño Pesto that will break you out of your rut on a bun.

Yield:

Serves 4

Ingredients

1. Cilantro jalapeño pesto
2. =============
3. 1 1/2 cups cilantro leaves
4. 4 jalapeños, grilled, peeled, and chopped
5. 1 clove garlic, chopped
6. 2 tablespoons pine nuts
7. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8. 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
9. .
10. Lamb burgers
11. =============
12. 1 pound ground lamb
13. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
14. 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
15. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
16. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
17. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
18. Salt to taste
19. 1/4 cup bread crumbs
20. 2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped
21. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Combine cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper in a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and process until emulsified. Scrape into a bowl. Can be made two days in advance and stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.
2. Place meat in a bowl. Add onion, ginger, cumin, coriander, chili, salt, and bread crumbs and mix well with your hands, turning, mashing, and kneading to blend the flavors and get a smooth texture. Cover and refrigerate mixture for at least an hour.
3. Add mint and cilantro and mix in. Shape four patties: Wet your hands with water, scoop up about 1/4 cup of the mixture, and use your hands to shape and press it into a 3/4-inch thick oval or round patty. Give it several light but firm squeezes so it holds its shape, then place it on an oiled plate and repeat with the remaining meat.
4. To grill patties, prepare a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high. Lightly oil rack. Transfer patties to the grill and cook, turning after 5 to 6 minutes, until done.
5. Serve burgers hot on a bun, pita bread, or any flatbread with a dollop of cilantro jalapeño pesto.

Notes