You know when you just crave a burger, and you just have to have it and nothing else will do? This was me the other day. I knew I wanted a burger, but I wanted something a bit different. Not like banana and mustard kind of different, more spicy lamb burger with a tzatziki sauce kind of different, and this is the baby I produced.

The thing with lamb is it's nice and fatty. This lends itself well to a burger where you want a nice crispy crust, but is still nice and juicy on the inside. You need to get good lamb mince for this OK. no going the frozen aisle and buying the cheap rubbish stuff, have something else instead. You can also switch up the spices and add your own flavours. Want more heat? Then chuck in some fresh jalepenos, want more cheese? Then add it, it's your burger after all. I'm just the meat messiah, guiding you on a burger pilgrimage.

To make my spicy lamb burgers with tzatziki (ish) sauce you will need:

• 450g of lamb mince

• About 1/4 tsp of cayenne (more if you want it hotter)

• 1/2 tsp of cumin

• 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper

• Sauce

• 150g of greek yoghurt

• About 2 tbsp of chopped cucumber

• About 8 mint leaves

• 2 tsp of honey

• About 1 tbsp of lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

Burger buns and of course the toppings of your choice. I used lettuce, piquante peppers and some sliced red onion.

Method:

Prepare the lamb patties

1. Place minced lamb in a bowl.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and grated garlic.

4. Mix thoroughly by hand until spices are evenly incorporated.

5. Divide mixture into four equal portions, shape into balls, and flatten into patties slightly larger than your burger buns.

6. Chill patties in the fridge while you make the sauce.

Make the mint yogurt sauce

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped mint, diced cucumber, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Mix well, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.

Cook the patties

1. Heat a little oil in a pan over high heat.

2. Season patties lightly with extra salt if desired.

3. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until a crust forms and they are cooked through to your liking.

4. Remove and let rest for a minute.

Assemble the burgers

1. Spread some mint yogurt sauce on the bottom half of the toasted bun.

2. Add lettuce, the lamb patty, sliced red onion, and picante peppers.

3. Spoon a little extra sauce on top, then cap with the bun lid.

Serve and enjoy

1. Serve immediately while warm, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

💡 Optional: Add feta cheese for a salty, tangy twist that complements the lamb and mint sauce perfectly.