Cumin-Spiced Burgers With Harissa Mayo

Manami's Note:

Harissa is a North African (Tunisia) condiment and it is HOT! Therefore, use it slowly - so that you won't make it too spicy! The Moroccan flavors in these burgers -- shaped into ovals instead of the usual rounds -- include cumin, garlic and harissa. The sauce: a delectable mix of mayonnaise, carawasy seeds & some more harissa. This is a Melissa Rubel Jacobseon from F&W Magazine, October, 2009 edition - From: 15 Rules for Great Wine and Food Pairings.Wine Pairing: Spicy Washington Syrah: 2007 Dusted Valley Vintners Stained Tooth. ;).

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 3 lbs ground chuck
• kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper
• ¼ cup harissa
• 2 teaspoons harissa
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 large red onion , sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 8 oval rolls , split (6-inch ea)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon caraway seed
• tomato , slices
• cucumber , slices

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chuck with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of the harissa, the cumin, garlic powder and thyme.
2. Form the meat into eight 3/4-inch-thick oval patties.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the onion slices with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a grill pan.
5. Cook the onions over moderate heat, turning once, until tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
7. Grill the burgers over moderately high heat, turning once, until medium, about 8 minutes.
8. Grill the rolls until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise with the caraway seeds and the remaining 2 tablespoons of harissa; season with salt and pepper.
10. Spread the mayo on the rolls.
11. Top with the patties, onions, tomato and cucumber; close the sandwiches and serve.

Reviews

[dramatic plum-pudding]

Harissa is NOT moroccan, it is tunisian... but it is enjoy everywhere in North Africa.