Project Foodie - Maximus Lamb Burgers with Feta Cheese and Mint

Maximus Lamb Burgers with Feta Cheese and Mint

Save Recipe: Maximus Lamb Burgers with Feta Cheese and Mint

Today, Jim May from Bennett Lane Winery (Calistoga, CA) provides us with his recipe for "Maximus Lamb Burgers with Feta Cheese and Mint". As Jim says "this summertime recipe combines ground lamb with Mediterranean flavors and a surprising touch of timeless flavors. The rich flavor of the lamb is complemented by the tang of the feta cheese, the sweetness of the mint jelly and the woodsy, perfumy, exotic smell of oregano. This meal is easy to prepare ahead of time, quick to cook, and delicious served on crispy buns with fresh tomatoes, grilled rosemary steak fries and a bottle of Bennett Lane Maximus". Sounds great Jim - an easy and delicious summer meal for a wonderful dinner and an evening of relaxation… What could be better?

Maximus Lamb Burgers with Feta Cheese and Mint

Courtesy of Bennett Lane's Jim May

Serves 4

1 ¼ lbs. ground lamb
4 T. Bennett Lane Maximus
2 T. mint jelly
2 T. shallot, minced
1 t. dried oregano
2 t. salt
2 t. black pepper
¼ lb. Feta cheese, crumbled

Hamburger buns or Ciabatta bread cut into 4 inch pieces

Put the ground lamb in a large bowl. In another small bowl, mix together the wine, jelly, shallot, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour wine mixture in bowl with the lamb. Fold in the cheese and gently mix together. Form by hand into 4 patties.

Grill meat over hot coals for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare to medium. Serve on toasted burger buns of choice. Pair with Bennett Lane Maximus Red Feasting Wine.

About Bennett Lane's 2004 Maximus

However you like your lamb; either a roasted leg, grilled rack of lamb, chops, loin or in this recipes' case, an all in one lamb burger, the classic and best beverages to accompany it are a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. So rather than having to choose one, why not have a wine that weaves all 3 varietals into one incredible food wine with rich fruit flavors, a complex mouth feel and a finish that complements the lamb and invites bite after bite. Such is the Bennett Lane Maximus Red Feasting Wine. It is Cabernet blended with Merlot and Syrah that pairs beautifully with most foods but shines with lamb, beef and game.

About Bennett Lane Winery

Follow Napa Valley's Route 29 north to Calistoga, and then keep going just 2 1/2 more miles. You'll arrive at the pinnacle of the Napa Valley - the northernmost wedge where the Vaca mountain range meets the Mayacamas range. Here you will also find Bennett Lane Winery, sitting snugly at the edge of its own well-maintained Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Owners Randy and Lisa Lynch purchased the property only four years ago, but Bennett Lane is already making a splash in wine country with its lush textured Cabernet Sauvignon and a no-nonsense red wine varietal blend called Maximus, composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. All three of Bennett Lane's 2003 Napa Valley red wine releases have scored 90+ points from Wine Spectator and are listed as some of the Great California Cabernets in the magazine's annual Cabernet Issue. The 2003 Primus Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon leads the pack with a score of 93 Points, one of the top rated Napa Cabernets of the year in the publication.