Greek Lamb Burgers

There is a quiet relief in a meal that asks nothing complicated of you. A short ingredient list, 1 pan, and you are at the table in about 20 minutes. The olives and herbs do the seasoning, so there is no scrambling for a sauce.

Lamb is a generous protein here. It is a source of zinc and vitamin B12, both involved in how the body builds and repairs tissue, and the olives blended into the meat carry monounsaturated fat and a natural saltiness. This is real food doing honest work while your system settles.

Source the lamb as well as you reasonably can, from a farm or butcher you trust, and let that care be part of the meal. Tear the lettuce, set out what you have, and eat with a little presence. The plate does not have to be elaborate to be nourishing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz black olives, pitted and chopped (the source method elsewhere says 1/2 cup, see verify note)
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 lb ground lamb
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, for the pan
• 6 large lettuce leaves, for serving

Note: This recipe is fully AIP as written. Onion powder and garlic powder are permitted dried alliums, not seed-spices.

Method

• Put the olives, oregano, parsley, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, and ginger in a food processor. Run it until they come together into a coarse paste.
• Add the ground lamb and pulse just until the seasoning is worked through. Do not overwork it.
• Divide and shape into 6 patties.
• Warm the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned outside and cooked through.
• Set each patty in a lettuce leaf and add any compliant toppings you like.

Air fryer variation

Lamb burgers take well to the air fryer. Set it to about 375F and cook the patties roughly 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once at the halfway point, until cooked through. Times vary by machine, so check for doneness and kitchen-test before relying on it.

*Adapted from acleanplate.com*