Mediterranean Burgers

Simple to make and nice to eat...

*Taken from Murdoch Book's 'Fast Food'*

Ingredients

1 large red capsicum

500g lamb mince

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 small onion, grated

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbs pine nuts, chopped

1 tbs finely chopped fresh mint

1 tbs finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp chilli sauce (I used sweet chilli)

1 tbs olive oil

4 Turkish or pide bread rolls

1 cup (220g) ready-made hummus

100g baby rocket

1 small Lebanese cucumber, cut into ribbons

chilli sauce, to serve (optional) (I used sweet chilli)

Method

Cut the capsicum into large pieces, removing the seeds and membrane. Place, skin-side-up, under a hot grill until the skin blackens and blisters. Cool in a plastic bag, then peel and cut into thick strips.

Combine the mince, egg, onion, garlic, pine nuts, fresh herbs, cumin and chilli sauce in a large bowl. Mix with your hands and roll into four even-sized balls. Press the balls into large patties about 9cm in diameter.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the patties over medium heat for 6 minutes each side, or until well browned and cooked through, then drain on paper towels.

Halve the rolls and toast both sides. Spread the cut sides of the rolls with hummus, then lay rocket leaves, roasted capsicum and cucumber ribbons over the base. Place a patty on the salad and top with the other half of the roll. Serve with chilli sauce.

Serves 4