Moroccan Lamb Burgers, Grilled Haloumi and Pistachio Salsa

, from Issue #100. December, 2021
Photography by Josh Griggs.
Moroccan Lamb Burgers, Grilled Haloumi and Pistachio Salsa

Spiked with aromatic herbs and topped with grilled haloumi and a fragrant salsa, this could easily be your star summer burger.

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

BURGERS
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup milk
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon each ground cumin and sweet smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg, beaten
big handful fresh coriander, finely chopped
sea salt and ground pepper
600 grams lamb mince

SALSA
½ cup pistachios, divided in half
½ cup each packed basil and mint
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
⅓ cup olive oil

TO SERVE
200 grams haloumi, sliced
4 hamburger buns
kasundi or other tomato relish, rocket, strips of cucumber and thick plain yoghurt, to serve

METHOD

BURGERS: Combine all the ingredients except the salt and pepper and lamb in a large bowl and leave for 5 minutes. Season, add the lamb and mix well. Form 4 patties slightly larger than the buns. Chill until ready to cook but remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.

SALSA:Put half the pistachios and all the remaining ingredients in a food processor and blend until well chopped but not totally smooth. Roughly chop the remaining pistachios and stir through.

To cook and serve: Cook the burgers on a preheated barbecue over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes each side, or until cooked through. Heat a little oil on the barbecue plate and cook the haloumi on both sides until golden. Spread the bottom bun with tomato relish and layer up with rocket, cucumber, a burger and haloumi. Top with a spoonful of yoghurt and a dollop of pistachio salsa. Add the tops and serve immediately.