By Divian Conner
Summer is here! While I am not looking forward to the mosquitos and layering on repellant, I am definitely looking forward to the cookouts, the gatherings, the grilling, the laughing, the sharing and all of the good food that is certainly in store. Summer in the South means the grills are fired up, and anything and everything is liable to land on top of those flaming hot metal grids. When it comes to grilling, the possibilities are endless, and really, you can put almost anything on the grill.
With all of the grills being brought out of retirement, it is no secret that burgers are a grilling staple, ready to take culinary charge of the summer months with a vengeance. Can you really go to any summer event and not expect to see burgers being flipped and a table full of paper plates, condiments and toppings? Summer means time to take bites of big juicy burgers and relish in the warmer months while poolside, or while sitting on the deck, front porch or even in the kitchen. Telling tales of what events you have planned, who is going off to what college, university, who has wedding plans and what destinations will be decided for the next great big adventure vacation. Burgers are just one of those things you expect to see here in the South.
When it comes to making burgers, I like to try different toppings. It is amazing how adding or changing a condiment can change your entire burger experience; right there at home. There is no need to order out or save that savory experience for a night out. There are so many different possibilities that can be explored. Just like how anything is game for grilling, nothing is really off-limits when it comes to creating a fantastic burger at home. Swap the fresh red tomatoes for fried green ones, switch out the pickles for fried pickles instead, crisp red onions can take a back seat to pickled onions and steak sauce instead of ketchup can add a sharp bite. Just minor tweaking and substitutions can kick up your burger prowess and leave all that partake in your master-level burger-making skills in awe.
It is no secret I love a good burger. Sandwiches and burgers are my go-to when I have any gathering, and I just cannot decide what to make. Sometimes this brain of mine goes into overdrive trying to curate menus, and I can literally not decide what to make. But the trusty ole dependable burger is always a sure win, and playing around with how to dress it leaves taste buds satisfied.
When having your next burger night or even an event, why not give this Tzatziki Burger a try? This is a super easy recipe, as the ingredients can be purchased ready-made—all it takes are freshly grilled burgers and a little assembly. Let’s give it a go and slide into summer with one amazing burger homerun!
Tzatziki Burgers For burger assembly:
Burger buns
Tzatziki dip or sauce
French fries
Fresh tomato slices
Feta crumbles
For the burger patties:
1 pound ground beef
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tbsp Creole mustard
1 tsp Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix Worcestershire sauce, mustard and Creole seasoning into the beef. Form into patties and cook on medium heat or grill until desired wellness is reached. While cooking, douse with Worcestershire sauce every 5-7 minutes for added flavor. Sprinkle salt and pepper while cooking for desired taste. Start minimally.
Once done, place burger patties on toasted or grilled buns coated with Tzatziki sauce. Top with lettuce, sliced tomato, fries and crumbled feta.