Lamb Patties With Harissa

A flavorful ground lamb patty with a spicy sauce. There are many variations on Harissa (some very good ones here on 'Zaar) Use the one included or use your favorite to top the patties. Serve with your favorite couscous recipe. WARNING: Wear latex or vinyl gloves when handling jalapenos, to keep from oils from seeds off your hand. These oils can really burn your eyes or lips if you touch them with your bare fingers, no matter how well you wash them.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• SAUCE

• 12  jalapeno peppers
• 4  garlic cloves, peeled
• 1  teaspoon caraway seed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil

• PATTIES

• 1 1⁄2 lbs lean ground lamb
• 2  tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons onions, grated
• 4  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
•  salt, to taste
• 1  tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Cut off stems of jalapenos. Cut each jalapeno in half and remove seeds. Chop coarsely.
2. Put jalapenos, garlic, caraway seeds, 1/4 tsp cumin, coriander and 1/2 cup olive oil in a food processor and blend to a fine liquid texture. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine lamb, 2 tbls garlic, onion, parsley, paprika, red pepper flakes, 1 tsp cumin, black pepper and salt. Mix thoroughly by hand.
4. Shape into 8 equal patties.
5. Heat 1 tbls. olive oil in a large non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook about 3 minutes on each side.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve with a dollop of room temperature harissa sauce.