The Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe is a delightful fusion of vibrant, fresh ingredients and comforting textures that will have your taste buds singing with joy. This unique burger swaps the typical meat patty for a nourishing blend of sweet peas, creamy feta, and tender potatoes, all spiced perfectly and paired with a tangy lemon-herb yogurt sauce. It’s a hearty yet refreshing take on burgers that’s perfect for anyone craving something wholesome, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a lighter meal or simply love exploring new culinary twists, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe. Each component has a distinct role, marrying sweetness, creaminess, herby freshness, and a touch of zest to create unforgettable patties and sauce.
- Birds Eye® Steamfresh® Sweet Peas (10 ounces): These bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color that makes the burgers pop.
- Russet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed): They provide a fluffy base to bind the mixture and a gentle earthiness to complement the peas.
- Sweet onion (1/2, chopped): Adds subtle sharpness and fragrance that balances the creamy feta.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup plus 1/3 cup for sauce): Instills a salty, tangy richness that elevates every bite.
- Fresh dill and fresh parsley (1 tablespoon each, minced): Sprinkle in bright herbal notes for freshness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the perfect binder, holding the patties together just right.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and depth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For crisping the patties to a golden finish.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): Forms the creamy base of the tangy sauce accompanying the burgers.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon) and lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Introduce vibrant citrus brightness to the sauce, cutting through richness beautifully.
How to Make Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Peas
Start by blanching the sweet peas in gently boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking keeps their lovely bright green color and fresh flavor intact. After draining, mash the peas lightly with a fork—this creates a textured base for the burger mixture that’s both tender and vibrant.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
While the peas are cooling, boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water until they’re soft and easily pierced by a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain them well and let them cool slightly. These potatoes add density and substance, ensuring the patties hold together without being heavy.
Step 3: Mix the Burger Ingredients
Combine the mashed sweet peas with the cooled potatoes in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped sweet onion, crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, fresh parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything until fully incorporated. This mixture comes together with such a wonderful balance of flavors and textures—it’s the heart of this Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe!
Step 4: Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into four patties, each about 4 inches in diameter. Don’t press too hard; you want them sturdy but still light. Place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up—this chilling step is key to perfect patties that hold their shape during cooking.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the patties chill, prepare the creamy sauce by combining Greek yogurt with minced fresh dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and an additional 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce adds a lovely cool contrast, with fresh citrus and tangy feta flavors that complement the burgers beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Patties
Lightly spray or brush the patties with olive oil and air fry them at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The air fryer crisps the patties perfectly on the outside, locking in moist sweetness on the inside, making this step both easy and impressive.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
Toast your favorite burger buns and layer on a patty, topped generously with the creamy dill-feta yogurt sauce. Add fresh tomato slices, thin rings of onion, and a handful of peppery arugula for crunch and a peppery bite. Every mouthful bursts with layers of contrasting yet harmonious flavors, showcasing the best of this Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe.
How to Serve Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprinkled on top make an instant flavor upgrade and visually brighten each burger. Adding slices of ripe tomatoes and crisp onion rings introduces freshness and slight sweetness that highlight the feta’s tanginess beautifully.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair wonderfully with light, summery sides like a crisp cucumber salad, lemony roasted potatoes, or even grilled vegetable skewers. For a heartier accompaniment, try sweet potato fries or a zesty quinoa salad that reflects the burger’s fresh herb profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a low-carb option, try serving these patties wrapped in large lettuce leaves with the yogurt sauce spooned over. Alternatively, turn them into sliders with mini buns for a fun party appetizer. Either way, their gorgeous color and enticing aromas will win over everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover patties or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the sauce will keep for about 4 days due to the yogurt base.
Freezing
These patties freeze beautifully. Place them spread out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in an air fryer or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. The sauce is best served chilled fresh but can be stirred and served cold after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version of the Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe, substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg, and replace feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative. The texture and flavor will still be delightful.
Can I use canned sweet peas instead of frozen?
While canned peas can be used in a pinch, frozen sweet peas like Birds Eye® Steamfresh® offer a fresher taste and better texture that really makes a difference in the patties.
Is air frying necessary to cook the patties?
Not at all! You can pan-fry the patties in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat, turning gently until golden and cooked through. Baking in the oven at 375°F on a greased sheet is another great alternative.
Can I add other vegetables to the patties?
Absolutely. Grated carrots, finely chopped spinach, or zucchini work well to add extra veggies and nutrition. Just be mindful of moisture content so the patties hold together.
What kind of buns work best for these burgers?
A sturdy yet soft bun is ideal, like ciabatta, brioche, or whole grain rolls. They support the moist patties and creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the burger.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe that makes it a standout in your burger repertoire. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and packed with personality, perfect for anyone looking to impress with a deliciously different homemade meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate fresh veggies and bold flavors!
Print
Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers: A Flavorful Twist Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Pea and Feta Cheese Burgers offer a delightful twist on traditional patties, combining the sweetness of peas with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, then air fried to golden perfection, these burgers are served with a zesty Greek yogurt sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor. Ideal for a light, vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and fresh.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 (10-ounce) package Birds Eye® Steamfresh® Sweet Peas
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for spraying)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Toasted buns
- Fresh tomato slices
- Fresh onion slices
- Arugula
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Peas: Blanch the sweet peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them. Drain thoroughly and mash them in a bowl using a fork until mostly smooth.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain well and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before handling.
- Mix the Burger Ingredients: In the bowl with the mashed sweet peas, add the cooled potatoes, chopped sweet onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced fresh dill, minced parsley, the egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined to form the burger mixture.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into patties approximately 4 inches in diameter. Place the formed patties on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the Patties: Lightly spray both sides of the patties with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the patties for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty on a toasted bun, then top with a generous spoonful of the creamy yogurt sauce, fresh tomato slices, onion slices, and arugula. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and wholesome pea and feta burgers.
Notes
- Be sure to cool the potatoes before mixing to avoid a mushy texture.
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold together better during air frying.
- You can substitute fresh peas for the steamfresh peas if desired; just blanch and mash similarly.
- The yogurt sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan feta and yogurt alternatives.
