By Maria Athanasopoulos

Greeks firmly believe that food is one of the greatest pleasures in life. In fact, they have an entire psychology behind the preparation, cooking and serving of their favorite native delicacies. My father believes that this adheres to barbequing, yes barbequing. I’m sure you think that simply grilling a burger does not involve much thought, let alone a well planned out process and thesis as to how to best cook this round slab of meat. What you probably don’t know is what goes on before the meat actually hits the grill and this is the art that many Greek men have deep pride in. Their secret is an old fashioned charcoal grill, this simple device is what helps give that stick of souvlaki you often buy from a side walk vendor such delicious flavor. Pre-marinating is also key and mandatory when it comes to most meat and vegetables since this is how the rich flavor is derived. My father marinates mostly everything from meat to eggplant slices with extra virgin olive oil, salt, ground pepper, oregano and fresh lemon. After one or two days of marinating the meat, its grilling time!

Grilling season was kicked off last month with the observance of Memorial Day and it is already in full swing amongst many Greek-Americans. Every church or organization is having a barbeque or a picnic featuring barbequed foods. To my family this means souvlakia and grilled fish will be making a weekly appearance on the dinner menu until Labor Day. While this sounds ideal and divine, it can get old quickly and you will yearn for variety. So I introduce to you my Greek burger recipe topped with homemade tzatziki and the perfect accompaniment of pre-marinated grilled vegetables.

Tzatziki is a popular sauce that graces nearly every Greek table and pairs beautifully with most grilled meat. If you can not find Greek yogurt, then strain regular plain yogurt for 3 hours or overnight in the fridge to remove all the liquid. Souvlaki may be the Greek equivalent to an American burger at barbeque parties, but once you try this mouthwatering recipe cooked in “Greek man grilling fashion”, you may reconsider!

DID YOU KNOW...

that yogurt contains bacteria? Don't panic, its good bacteria that helps prevent osteoporosis, keeps your digestive system regular and also speeds up weight loss! Researchers found that yogurt eaters lost 81% more fat in the stomach area than non-yogurt eaters. .

Greek Burgers with
Homemade Tzatziki

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6

Tzatziki:

• 1 large seedless cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 32 ounce plain 2% or fat-free Greek yogurt,
• such as Fage Total or Oikos
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• dash of salt & pepper

1. Squeeze the excess liquid from the grated cucumber by pressing it over a strainer. Then place into a medium-sized bowl and mix in the garlic, cucumber, dill and lemon.

2. Season with salt and pepper. Stir it around a little, cover bowl and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Greek Burgers:

• 2 pounds ground lamb or veal
• 1 cup grated Kasseri cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• fresh ground pepper & salt to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 to 6 whole wheat sesame hamburger buns

Vegetables:

• 1 1/2 pounds eggplant, zucchini, and summer squash chopped and marinated overnight in extra virgin olive oil, oregano, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.

Preparation:

1. Place the marinated vegetables on your barbeque grill over low to medium fire until tender. Ensure to flip over every 2 to 3 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground lamb or veal, kasseri cheese, and oregano. Mix well and form 4 large or 6 smaller patties. Season patties with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Brush the burgers with olive oil and place on charcoal grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until your desired doneness. If you really want to have a Greek burger, make it medium well!

Serve the burgers on buns, topped with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and a generous dollop of your homemade tzatziki sauce. The side of grilled vegetables compliment this frugal yet simple meal perfectly. Pair this barbequed delicacy with a chilled bottle of Mythos and enjoy.

Kali Orexi!