Kofta Burger With Muhammara Sauce

Ingredients

  • Pickled Red Onions Garnish
  • 1 Large Red Onion
  • 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • Muhammara Sauce
  • 1 Cup Baby Spinach, roughly chopped and packed
  • 1 Tablespoon Pine Nuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Cup Roasted Red Peppers, chopped and drained
  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
  • Cucumber Garnish
  • 1 Large English (or seedless) Cucumber
  • Kofta Burgers
  • 2 1/4 Pounds Ground Beef (80% Lean)
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Small Onion, grated and drained
  • 2 Cups Spinach, roughly chopped or 2 Tablespoons
  • 1/2 Cup Roasted Red Pepper, chopped and drained
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Allspice
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Aleppo Pepper
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 Teaspoon Paprika
  • 6 Hamburger Rolls

Instructions

  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Slice the red onions as thin as you can.
  • Place the red onions in a pint mason jar.
  • In a measuring Cup or small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and vinegars and whisk to dissolve the sugar and salt.
  • Pour this pickling mixture over your sliced onions and let set until ready to plate.
  • Muhammara Sauce
  • Wash, dry and roughly chop the Baby Spinach.
  • Combine the Spinach with the Pignoli nuts and garlic in a food processor and pulse a few times.
  • Add the salt, pepper and red peppers and pulse a few more times.
  • Slowly add the Olive Oil in a constant stream while the food processor is running.
  • Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
  • Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended.
  • Add the cream cheese and blend until smooth and completely incorporated.
  • Set aside and keep cool.
  • Cucumber Garnish
  • Do not peel the cucumber.
  • Slice as thin as you can.
  • Set aside until ready to plate
  • Burgers
  • Preheat grill to medium.
  • Thoroughly, but gently combine all the burger ingredients in a medium bowl, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Form six patties and cook for approximately six minutes, then turn and cook an additional 3 minutes until internal temperature reaches at least 125 degrees or your desired level of doneness.
  • Garnish and Finish
  • Spread a tablespoon of the Muhammara Sauce on the top of each roll and another tablespoon on bottom.
  • Place a burger on the bottom half and top with cucumber slices and pickled red onions.