Dinner Tonight: Lamb Burgers + Carrot Avocado Salad

One of the most important features of any meal is the different textures it combines. This menu pairs tender roasted carrots, creamy avocados, delicate sprouts, and juicy lamb. Pure, clean flavors and a meal you can feel good about -- all achievable in well under an hour on a weeknight.

The Menu

Lamb Burgers with Cilantro Yogurt

Serves 4-6

2 pounds ground lamb
1 cup whole milk yogurt (you kind of need the whole for the texture)
Handful of fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, pressed or very finely chopped

1. Heavily season the ground lamb with salt and pepper.

2. Mix yogurt, chopped cilantro, garlic and add salt to taste; set aside.

3. Cook burgers on grill or under the broiler, flipping once.

4. Serve burgers hot with yogurt sauce on the side.

Save and print this recipe at Food52.

Carrot Avocado Salad

Get the recipe for Carrot Avocado Salad on Food52.

The Grocery List

Serves 4

2 pounds ground lamb
Whole milk yogurt
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 pounds carrots

1 orange
1 lemon
Thyme
Cumin seeds
Sunflower seeds
1 avocado
2 cups baby sprouts
Creme fraiche

We're assuming that you already have olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, red pepper flakes, garlic, red wine vinegar, and sesame seeds on hand. If not, you'll be needing those things, too!

The Plan

1. Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Simmer the carrots for 10 minutes, drain, and set aside.

2. Prepare the citrus marinade, toss with the carrots, and roast till they're tender, about 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro yogurt, and season ground lamb with salt and pepper. Form 4 to 6 lamb patties. Take the carrots out of the oven.

4. Plate the salad: divvy the carrot and avocado slices between four plates. Top with greens, creme fraiche, salad dressing, and seeds.

5. Grill the burgers, top each patty with a spoonful of cilantro yogurt (or serve alongside), plate, and serve!

Read More:
Crunchy Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad
Our 7 Favorite Avocado Recipes

First photo by Sarah Shatz; second photo by James Ransom