Xi’an Cumin Lamb Burgers

Method6 steps · about 40 min

1. 1

   Step 1: In a dry pan, toast the cumin seeds (1 tablespoon), sichuan peppercorns (1 teaspoon), and red chili flakes (½ teaspoon). Crush into a coarse powder with a mortar & pestle or spice grinder. Set aside.

   Uses 1 tablespoon cumin seeds · 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns · ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Mix half the toasted crushed spice blend into the ground lamb (450 g) and shape four patties. Season both sides of the patties with the measured teaspoon salt (1 teaspoon). Reserve the other half of the spice blend.

   Uses Half the toasted crushed spice blend · 450 g ground lamb · 1 teaspoon salt

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Sear the patties about 1–2 minutes per side until crisp, then continue cooking as needed until the centres reach71°C (160°F).

   Initial sear on each side; continue to doneness · 2 minUses Four shaped seasoned lamb patties

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Rest the cooked patties on a plate under foil. In the skillet or a separate pan, heat the tablespoon vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) and fry the sliced onion, jalapeno (1) and red bell pepper (1 small) until caramelized. Sprinkle with half the reserved spice blend (one quarter of the original).

   Uses Fully cooked lamb patties · 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced) · 1 jalapeno (de-seeded and thinly sliced) · 1 small red bell pepper (de-seeded and thinly sliced) · 1 tablespoon vegetable oil · One quarter of the toasted crushed spice blend

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Mix the Greek yoghurt (285 g) with minced garlic (2 cloves), extra salt to taste and the remaining quarter of the original spice blend.

   Uses 285 g plain Greek Yogurt · 2 cloves garlic (minced) · Extra salt to season the yoghurt sauce, to taste · Last quarter of the toasted crushed spice blend

6. 6

   Step 6: Spread yoghurt sauce on each bun base and add diced cucumber (1). Top each with one cooked lamb patty, the onion-pepper mixture, more sauce and fresh cilantro (1 cup). Serve.

   Uses 4 Brioche or Potato buns (for serving) · 1 cucumber (de-seeded and diced) · 1 cup fresh cilantro · Four rested cooked lamb patties · Caramelized spiced onion and peppers · Prepared garlic-spice yoghurt sauce