Bifteki (Greek Burger Patties)

Bifteki (Greek Burger Patties)

Ingredients

  • 1 slice white bread or about ¾ cup homemade breadcrumbs or panko, softened in a little whole milk

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef or beef and lamb or beef, lamb and pork combined 

  • Salt and pepper

  • ¼ cup grated red onion (about ½ an onion) 

  • 2 large cloves garlic, grated or pasted

  • 1 small, firm plum tomato, grated

  • 1 cup loosely packed mint, parsley leaves and oregano 

  • 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar  

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tablespoons EVOO, plus more for drizzling  

  • 6 slices beefsteak or vine tomato

  • 6 ounces Greek feta, sliced

  • Fresh or dried oregano

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Serves: 6

Preheat oven to 450°F, rack at center. Line a pan with foil and parchment.  

Squeeze any excess milk from the bread or breadcrumbs, add to meat in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add red onions, garlic, grated tomato, herbs, vinegar, egg and EVOO. Mix with one hand, then score meat into 6 portions, form 6 patties and arrange on a baking tray. 

Roast for 15 minutes, turning after 7. Top patties with tomato slices and feta and a little EVOO and brown 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with fresh or dried oregano and red pepper flakes.