In Greek: μπιφτέκια γεμιστά, pronounced beef-TEK-yah yeh-mee-STAH
Bifteki is the Greek word for “burger.”
More complex than a plain burger but not quite a mini-meatloaf, this recipe for feta stuffed burgers calls for grilling but they can be broiled or cooked on the stovetop as well.
Stuffed Burgers with Feta & Herbs – Biftekia Yemista
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of dried Greek oregano
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of dried breadcrumbs
- ——-
- Stuffing:
- 1/2 pound of feta cheese, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of spring onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ———
- To serve:
- 1 cup of strained yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Work together by hand until well blended. Form into 12 thin patties.
- In a bowl, combine the feta and one third of the parsley, spring onions, and garlic, and stir until well blended.
- Mix the remaining herbs and teaspoon of olive oil with the yogurt, cover, and refrigerate.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the middle of 6 of the meat patties (using it all). Place the remaining 6 patties on top, pinching around the edges to seal well.
- Grill the burgers over medium coals for 6-10 minutes per side and serve with the herb yogurt.
Yield: 6 burgers
Alternative cooking method: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet and cook the burgers over medium heat for 6-10 minutes, testing for doneness.
