Lamb and Spinach (or Chard) Smash Burger

A gourmet burger with pickles and slaw on a plate, surrounded by wine, glasses, and floral table decor.

This is our kind of backyard BBQ: a lamb and spinach burger. Simple, flavorful, and perfect with a glass (or two) of something delicious. Our first instinct is always bubbles — because, frankly, everything tastes better with sparkling. But Pinot Noir makes a great match too, so we’re pouring Home Block with these lamb and spinach burgers. Next time, we just might add Audrey Chardonnay and make it red, white, and bubbly! For a fresh twist, we’ve included a bright, tangy coleslaw and plenty of optional toppings. This recipe makes 6 to 8 burgers — and yes, picking yours up with both hands and embracing the mess is part of the fun. That’s what summer’s for.

Ingredients

For the Burgers
1 ½ lbs ground lamb
1 bunch fresh spinach or Swiss chard, trimmed, blanched, drained, and chopped fine
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Buns
6-8 sesame buns, sliced in half
Favorite prepared mustard
Tangy Coleslaw Topping
½ head green cabbage, sliced very thin
¼ head red cabbage, sliced very thin
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated using large holes of box grater
1 tsp sea salt
Generous pinch chili pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp mayonnaise
½ tsp extra-virgin olive oil

How to Make

1

To make the burgers, combine all the ingredients very well by hand. Shape and gently smash into small, thin patties. Place on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.

2

Prepare a grill or a cast iron pan on the stove top to a medium-high preheat.

3

Preheat oven to 350 degrees to warm the buns for about 5 minutes.

4

Make the slaw: In a medium sized bowl, combine and mix all of the tangy coleslaw ingredients. Taste and adjust for balance and seasoning.

5

Grill or stove top cook the chilled patties about 3-4 minutes each side. Medium rare is optimal.

6

Build your burgers: Spoon the coleslaw onto the bottom bun, then place the lamb-spinach patty on top. Add optional toppings like griddled onions, a dab of mustard, sliced tomato, or pickles. Crown with the top bun and serve.

7

Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!