Mediterranean Inspired Burgers and Iowa Sweet & Snazzy™ . . . Perfect for summer Barbecues!
Iowa Sweet & Snazzy, a sweet, simple red wine, is a perfect pairing for these burgers. It’s best served chilled, making it even more perfect for hot weather grilling and summer barbecues!
Tassel Ridge® Mediterranean Inspired Burgers
Ingredients
- 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tsp minced fresh oregano
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary
- ½ tsp, plus ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup pitted, chopped Kalamata olives
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp, plus 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Kaiser buns, cut in half
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ¼ medium English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 romaine lettuce leaves
Instructions
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Combine feta, oregano, rosemary, ½ teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest in bowl. Add beef. Mix gently until well combined. Shape into 4 burgers, about 1-inch thick. Combine olives, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper in blender. With blender running at low speed, add 3 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon at a time. Blend to a smooth paste. Heat grill to medium-high. Grill burgers 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned. Turn and grill 5 to 6 minutes more until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). Toast cut sides of buns on grill. Brush with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread 1 teaspoon of olive mixture on each bun. Place burgers on buns. Top with tomato, cucumber, onion, and lettuce. Serves 4.
Recipe Notes
Wine Recommendation—Tassel Ridge Iowa Sweet & Snazzy™
Iowa Sweet & Snazzy™ is a sweet, smooth red with rich cherry notes on the nose; cherry, raspberry, and blackberry notes on the palate; and baking spices on the finish. Made from Marquette and Frontenac grapes grown in our Iowa vineyards, pair Iowa Sweet & Snazzy with grilled beef, chicken, or pork. It’s perfect for picnics, indoors or outdoors! Serve slightly chilled.