Where's the beef? Try lamb - includes recipe

Sunset, April, 1997 by Christine Weber Hale

It's tempting to fall back on tried-and-true quickies - like broiled hamburgers - when time is tight.

But ground beef isn't your only quick-burger alternative. Ground lamb cooks as quickly as beef, and it has its own unique character that teams well with a different spectrum of seasonings, including a refreshing touch of mint in the Greek fashion.

Ground lean lamb is available in most supermarkets. Its fat content varies, but it's usually similar to that of ground beef chuck. If the ground lamb is already shaped into patties, just break them up, season, and re-form.

Like any ground meat, ground lamb has a short storage life. So for freshest flavor, cook within 24 hours of purchase. Or, for future quick meals, season, shape, and freeze up to three months.

For moist, juicy results, broil lamb just until it is barely pink in the center. Otherwise the meat will be dry.

Greek Pocket Bread Sandwiches with Lamb

Prep and cook time: About 15 minutes

Notes: To slice cucumbers quickly, use a food processor.

Makes: 4 servings

1 1/2 pounds ground lean lamb 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves About 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 cucumbers (each 3/4 lb.) 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt 3 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves 2 tablespoons lemon juice 4 pocket breads (about 6 in.), cut in half crosswise

1. In a bowl, mix lamb with garlic, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into 8 equal oblong patties, each about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Place patties on a rack in a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat until meat is browned on each side and just barely pink in center (cut to test), 7 to 10 minutes total.

3. While lamb patties cook, peel cucumbers and thinly slice. Mix slices with yogurt, mint, and lemon juice to make a cucumber salad.

4. On each of 4 plates, place 2 lamb patties, 1/4 of the cucumber salad, and 2 pocket bread halves. Tuck meat into bread, adding cucumber salad and salt to taste.

Per serving: 471 cal., 27% (126 cal.) from fat; 42 g protein; 14 g fat (5.2 g sat.); 41 g carbo (1.8 g fiber); 729 mg sodium; 118 mg chol.

MORE FAST IDEAS FOR GROUND LAMB

* Stir-fry to brown meat and sliced mushrooms, then cook briefly with sugar snap peas and sliced water chestnuts and season stir-fry with an Asian-sauce mix.

* Mix meat with crumbled blue or feta cheese and shape into burgers. Grill or broil, then serve on spinach leaves mounded on toasted, crusty bread.

* Season meat with chili powder or hot sauce, shape into balls, and pan-brown or oven-fry. Serve with prepared tomato pasta sauce over linguine. Or wrap in warm tortillas to make tacos, seasoning with salsa.

* Use browned meat to make lasagna or to top pizza.

* Use ground lamb in place of part of the ground beef in your favorite meat loaf recipe.

What's for dinner?

Greek Pocket Bread Sandwiches with Lamb

Sliced Tomatoes

Lettuce Leaves

Baby Carrots

Lemon Sorbet with Anise-flavor Liqueur