Cheer Team USA With An All-American Lamb Burger

DENVER, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Over in London, America's star-spangled top athletes are battling to bring home the gold and glory from the Olympic games.  Country-proud cooks on this side of the Atlantic can seize the spirit and showcase their love for Team USA by grilling up a patriotic twist on an iconic summertime classic: an American lamb burger.

Freshly ground American lamb is available all year long, but as grilling season comes to an end, making lamb burgers is an easy, elegant way to combat barbecue boredom and add pep to late summer or Labor Day weekend meals, without relying on the spice rack.

The red, white and ewe recipe for this all-American lamb burger highlights flavorful U.S.-raised meat, enhanced by fresh mint and cucumber yogurt sauce and juicy tomatoes.

All-American Lamb Burger
4 servings
Preparation time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  10 minutes

1 1/4 pounds ground American Lamb
1 small cucumber
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1/2 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sugar, pinch
1 shallot, finely chopped
Olive oil, as needed
4 buns
4 tomato slices

Grate cucumber on the large-hole side of a box grater; place in a medium bowl.  Add yogurt, mint, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and sugar; set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix lamb, shallot, salt and pepper.  Divide into 4 patties.  In a skillet, grill pan or on a hot grill, cook patties in oil until browned on both sides and pink in the middle, about 8 minutes.

Place burger on a toasted bun; top with tomato and yogurt sauce.

For more American lamb recipes, cooking time and temperature charts and how-to videos, visit www.AmericanLamb.com.  Lamb lovers can follow the American Lamb Board on Facebook or Twitter @FANofLAMB to keep up-to-date on news and events.

About the American Lamb Board

The American Lamb Board is an industry-funded research and promotions commodity board that represents all sectors of the American Lamb industry including producers, feeders, seed stock producers and processors. The Board, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is focused on increasing demand by promoting the freshness, flavor, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility of American Lamb. The work of the American Lamb Board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the board's programs are supported and implemented by the staff in Denver, Colorado.

For more information about the American Lamb Board, please contact Chloe Mata Crane ([email protected]) or Laura Shunk ([email protected]) at Baltz & Company­—212-982-8300

SOURCE The American Lamb Board