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Greek Lamb Sausage with Whipped Feta and Roasted Tomatoes inspired by Lock 50
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Inspired by Lock 50

Greek Lamb Sausage with Whipped Feta and Roasted Tomatoes

Appetizer
This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer features house-style lamb sausage patties infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The preparation pairs the rich, gamey flavor of lamb with cooling whipped feta cheese and sweet roasted tomatoes. Complemented by pickled peppers and briny olives, this small plate offers a harmonious blend of traditional Greek flavors reimagined in a contemporary format.
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Inactive Time 30 mins
Total Time 75 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground lamb (Not too lean, about 80/20 fat ratio)
  • 8 oz Bulgarian feta cheese (Or Greek feta if Bulgarian unavailable)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (Full-fat)
  • 1 pint Cherry tomatoes (Halved)
  • 2 medium Cubanelle peppers (Sliced into rings)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (Pitted and halved)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (2 minced for sausage, 1 for whipped feta)
  • 1 medium Shallot (Finely minced)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh oregano (Chopped, divided)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh mint (Chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh dill (Chopped)
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (Adjust to taste)
  • 1 whole Lemon (Zest and juice, divided)
  • 1/4 cup White wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (Plus more for cooking and finishing)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (Divided)
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or blender
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Heat-proof container for pickling
  • Sharp chef's knife

Chef's Tip

When forming the lamb sausage patties, avoid overworking the meat which can make them tough. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated, and chill the formed patties before cooking to help them hold their shape. This also allows the flavors to meld together better.

Instructions

  1. For pickled peppers: Combine vinegar, 1/4 cup water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then pour over sliced peppers in a heat-proof container. Cool to room temperature.
  2. For whipped feta: In a food processor, combine feta, yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove minced garlic, half the lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. For roasted tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon oregano. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until slightly blistered and juicy.
  4. For lamb sausage: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, shallot, 2 minced garlic cloves, remaining lemon zest, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon mint, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
  5. Gently mix lamb mixture until just combined. Form into 8 small patties, about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place on a plate and chill for 15 minutes.
  6. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook lamb patties for 2-3 minutes per side for medium, or to desired doneness.
  7. While still hot, drizzle lamb patties with a squeeze of lemon juice.
  8. Drain pickled peppers, reserving some pickling liquid.

Plating

Spread whipped feta on the base of each plate. Arrange 2 lamb sausage patties over the feta. Scatter roasted tomatoes, pickled peppers, and kalamata olives around the plate. Garnish with remaining fresh mint, dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with warm pita bread if desired.

Storage & Reheating

Whipped feta can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. The lamb mixture can be prepared up to a day ahead, but is best formed into patties just before cooking. Pickled peppers will keep for 2 weeks refrigerated. Roasted tomatoes can be made 1 day ahead and gently reheated before serving.

About This Recipe

Lock 50's Greek Lamb Sausage was a Mediterranean-inspired small plate that showcased the restaurant's talent for layering flavors and textures. The house-made lamb sausage delivered bold spicing and rich flavor, while the whipped feta provided cooling creaminess to balance the dish. Their version featured carefully roasted tomatoes and house-pickled peppers that added brightness and acidity. Our adaptation maintains these key elements while simplifying the technique for home cooks to achieve the same harmony of traditional Greek flavors.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!