Hamburger Recipe - Masala Spiced Lamb Sliders

Fusian Burgers from Traditional North Indian Kebab Recipe

© Alia Luria

Sep 22, 2009

Traditionally, North Indian cuisine has included spiced ground lamb kebabs cooked in a tandoori oven. This hamburger recipe incorporates many of the methods used to make kebabs into a burger recipe that can be used for sliders (or even regular hamburgers). Incorporate fresh ground spices into the meat and top with fresh fruit or mint chutneys for a terrific, exotic hamburger treat.

Preparation Notes: Marinating the Lamb for the Burgers and Using Panko

This recipe uses lime juice to marinate the lamb meat for a few hours. Lime juice acts as a natural meat tenderizer and results in a very tender burger. However, if time is limited, combine the ingredients and condense or eliminate the marinating time.

Also, this recipe uses panko, which are light Japanese bread crumbs, instead of regular bread crumbs for a fluffier burger. However, if there is no panko available, regular breadcrumbs are fine. They will result in a slightly denser patty.

Chutneys as Burger Condiments

Indian chutneys make a great condiment to lamb burgers or sliders. A sweet mango chutney is a great option for add some spice and sweet to the burger. For a fresh taste with herbal heat, try making the garlic and mint chutney recipe below. It takes minutes and adds real flavor to the lamb.

Lamb Burger or Slider Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 6 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch (use chickpea flour if you have it for a more authentic taste)
• 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
• 2 large egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons of either a tandoori spice mix or garam masala (the tandoori spices will provide a smokier flavor)
• a small amount of melted ghee or butter for basting
• 4 slices of smoked gouda or another mild smoked cheese (optional), cut into quarters
• 16 dinner rolls for sliders or 8 hamburger buns if making burgers

Lamb Burger or Slider Recipe Directions

1. Combine the ginger, garlic, and lime just in a blender or food processor until a watery blend is formed. It will not reach the consistency of a paste.
2. Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl, and add the lamb, pepper, and mace. Combine thoroughly in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator for 3 or so hours. Then, take the meat out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature if time allows.
3. When ready to proceed with the recipe, preheat the oven to 500ºF. If looking for an authentic tandoori taste, use a pizza stone in the oven .
4. heat the oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the cornstarch and toast, stirring occasionally. Heat for about 4 minutes.
5. Add the cornstarch or chickpea mixture to the lamb, along with the panko, egg yolks, salt, and chosen spice blend and combine.
6. Form the meat into patties. The mixture should yield 16 equal sized sliders or 8 medium burgers.
7. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet (or directly to pizza stone if using). Cook 15 minutes or so, turning once and basting with ghee until patties looked nicely browned and cook. Alternatively, they can be pan fried in oil for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
8. Once the burgers have been turned, add a quarter of a slice of cheese to each slider if desired. Gouda does not melt well, but it should warm through.

Serve on toasted dinner rolls with chutneys and paprika seasoned fries for a great simple meal!

Mint and Garlic Chutney Recipe

This is a quick and simple fresh chutney that requires no cooking and works really well with these lamb sliders.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 small green serrano chili, stemmed and chopped (split and remove the seeds if less heat is preferred)
• 2 large cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 cup water
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

Directions

Combine mint leaves and any tender stems, chili, garlic, salt and water in a blender or food processor, and process until a smooth puree is reached. This may require multiple pulses. Scrape down the mixture between pulses to ensure that all ingredients are combined. Remove from blender and mix in yogurt.

Let stand for a few minutes and serve. This chutney is best served fresh. It is great on the burgers and even good as a french fry dip.

Indian Spiced Hamburger Recipe

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