Middle Eastern Burger Recipes

BEEF KAFTA

Steps:

• Place the parsley in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, remove and set aside.
• In the same food processor bowl used to chop the parsley, place the quartered onion and pulse until finely chopped. Drain the onions slightly to release excess moisture.
• Return the parsley back to the bowl of the food processor with the onions. Add the ground beef to the food processor in addition to all the spices. Run the food processor on pulse once or twice until ingredients are well combined and form a pasty meat mixture.
• Transfer the mixture from the food processor to a large bowl and form the Kafta into an oblong shape about 1 inch in thickness. You can form them on a wooden skewer or without.
• Grease the grates of a gas grill or indoor grill pan, and preheat it to medium high heat. When heated through, transfer the kafta to the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
• Serve hot off the grill with your choice of side.

MIDDLE EASTERN BURGERS

Steps:

• Combine ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, nuts, lemon juice and spices in a large bowl.
• Form patties and fry over medium-high heat until cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).
• Serve in naan and top with hummus, and if you're feeling adventurous, a little chili oil to spice it up!

LAMB BURGER MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Beat the egg, add ketchup, beat more to completely blend.
• Stir in the onion, crumbs, dill, parsley, garlic, pine nuts, salt pepper, paprika & cayenne.
• Add the lamb and mix well (use your hands for easy mixing).
• Form 3 or 4 patties.
• Either BBQ or pan fry. Internal temperature should read 160°F.
• If pan frying brown one side of the patties over high heat, flip, cover with a lid, lower heat to medium and cook the other side,.
• If you are serving mushrooms add them to the pan when you flip the burger and cover the pan - they will be beautifully browned.
• Top the burger with yogurt and any condiments you like--tomatoes, pickles, pickled peppers, eggplant, hummus--your choice.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet.
• Add the onion, cinnamon, coriander, and pepper flakes to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook until the onions are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and parsley and cook about 1 minute more.
• Move to a big bowl and let cool a little.
• Stir in the chicken and yogurt and mix thoroughly.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Shape into 4 1/2" round patties.
• Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until nicely browned and cooked, about 5 minutes on each side.
• Brush burgers with the molasses and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Serve on toasted buns with mayonnaise(if using), tomato, cucumber, onion, lettuce and cilantro(if using). Enjoy!