Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main meat used in these Aussie burgers?
The recipe features 1 3/4 lbs of ground lamb as the primary protein.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
Soft fresh goat cheese or chevre is used to provide a creamy contrast to the lamb.
What ingredients are mixed into the lamb patties?
The patties consist of ground lamb, chopped shallots, capers, julienned basil leaves, and fresh ground pepper.
How are the lamb patties coated before grilling?
The patties are gently pressed into cornmeal or flour to create a light outer coating.
How long should the lamb burgers be cooked on the grill?
Cook the patties over medium-high heat for approximately 6 to 7 minutes on each side.
What ingredients make up the zesty tomato relish?
The relish is made from diced tomatoes, red onion, sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
What type of bread is best for these burgers?
The recipe calls for four kaiser rolls, split and lightly toasted.
How do you prepare the tomatoes for the relish?
Three tomatoes should be diced before being sautéed in olive oil.
Can I use a broiler instead of a grill?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either a barbecue grill or a broiler.
How much goat cheese should be applied to each burger?
A generous amount, totaling about 2 to 3 tablespoons across the four burgers, should be spread on the bottom rolls.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil in this recipe?
Vegetable oil is used to lightly brush the grill or broiler to prevent the lamb patties from sticking.
How do you prepare the basil for the lamb mixture?
You should use 6 to 8 large basil leaves and cut them into thin julienned strips.
What is the first step in making the tomato relish?
Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and add the diced tomatoes and red onion.
How many burgers does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make four equal burger patties.
How long do the tomatoes and onions need to sauté?
They should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they have softened.
When should the sugar and balsamic vinegar be added?
Stir them into the tomato mixture after the vegetables have softened, and cook for one additional minute.
How is the shallot prepared for the lamb patty?
One shallot should be peeled and finely chopped before being mixed with the meat.
What order should the burger be assembled in?
Spread goat cheese on the bottom roll, add the patty, top with tomato relish, and finish with the top half of the roll.
Should the tomato relish be served hot or cold?
The recipe suggests allowing the relish to cool slightly after cooking before assembling the burgers.
What seasoning is added to the lamb mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, or more to taste.
Can I substitute cornmeal with something else?
Yes, flour is a suitable substitute for coating the burger patties.
Are capers required for this dish?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of chopped capers is mixed into the lamb to provide a salty, tangy flavor.
What heat should be used for the sauté pan?
Medium heat is recommended for preparing the zesty tomato relish.
Is salt added to the lamb patties?
The recipe lists salt 'to taste' as an ingredient, typically added during the relish preparation or seasoning phase.
What is the texture of the finished burger patties?
They are grilled to your desired doneness with a light, slightly textured crust from the cornmeal coating.
What cuisine style does this recipe represent?
This recipe is inspired by Australian (Aussie) cuisine, known for its high-quality lamb dishes.
How do you toast the kaiser rolls?
Grill or broil the cut sides of the rolls until they are lightly toasted and warm.
What oil is used for the relish?
One teaspoon of olive oil is used to sauté the tomatoes and onions.
Is the red onion raw or cooked?
The red onion is diced and sautéed with the tomatoes to make the relish.
What makes the tomato relish 'zesty'?
The combination of balsamic vinegar, red onion, and black pepper provides the zesty profile.