Tzatziki, a traditional Greek dressing made from cucumber, yogurt, and mint, lends a cool complement to the burgers.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　

For the tzatziki

1/2 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated (3/4 cup)

　　1/2 cup plain yogurt

　　2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

　　2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint

　　1 small garlic clove, minced

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　

For the lamb burgers

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb

　　1/2 small onion, minced (1/4 cup)

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

　　2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　4 pita breads (6-inch)

　　2 medium beefsteak tomatoes, sliced, for serving

　　Shredded lettuce, for garnish (optional)

　　

Step 1

Heat a grill to high. Make the tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, mint, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

　　

Step 2

Make the burgers: In a medium bowl, use a fork to gently combine the lamb, onion, parsley, and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Gently form the mixture into 16 small patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Grill until medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

　　

Step 3

To serve, warm the pitas on the grill; halve, and fill with the burgers, tzatziki, and tomatoes. Garnish with shredded lettuce, if desired.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.