Spicy Lamb Patties With Cauliflower-Almond Rice

© 2014 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All rights reserved. Use the spices normally found in merguez lamb sausage to make these paleo-friendly ground lamb patties. Harissa, a spicy tomato-pepper paste, adds both heat and flavor to the lamb. Finely chopped cauliflower "rice" is livened up with lemon juice, plumped golden raisins, parsley and blanched almonds.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Lamb Patties

• 1  lb ground lamb
• 2  teaspoons harissa
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon hot paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1  pinch ground black pepper
• 4  garlic cloves, minced

• Cauliflower Rice

• 1⁄3 cup golden raisin
• 1  large head cauliflower, cut in 2-inch florets (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1⁄3 cup  toasted sliced almonds
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. For the patties: Combine the lamb, harissa, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic in a bowl and mix well by hand. Form into eight 1/2-inch-thick patties (3 to 4 inches across).
2. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Grill the patties, working in batches if necessary, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
3. For the rice: Combine the raisins and 1 cup of water in a microwe-safe bowl; microwave for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
4. Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until the cauliflower resembles small pebbles, 3 or 4 pulses.
5. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan set over high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring, until tender, about 2 minutes. The water should be fully evaporated at this point, if not, drain the cauliflower using a fine mesh sieve.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the raisins, almonds, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the lamb patties over the cauliflower rice.
8. Cook's Note: If you can't find harissa, substitute with 2 teaspoons tomato paste mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice.
9. Use gloves when forming the patties to avoid getting the spicy paste in your eyes.
10. You can also cook the patties in a 350 degree F oven until cooked through.