Middle Eastern Inspired Burger

Between nice buttery rich brioche buns, spiced patties which have exotic flavor and my original creamy slightly sweet and tangy spread which was inspired by Tapenade. To give some freshness, I added tomato and arugula.

Ingredients:

Patties:

• 2 Pounds ground lean beef
• ¾ Teaspoon fresh garlic, grated
• 1½ Teaspoons ground coriander seeds
• 1½ Teaspoons ground cumin
• ¾ Teaspoon ground paprika
• ¾ Teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1½ Teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• ½ Teaspoon salt and black pepper

Spread:

• ⅜ Teaspoon caper, drained
• 3 Cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 4½ Teaspoons lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1½ Cups medium black olives, pitted
• ½ Teaspoon salt and black pepper (adjust seasoning accordingly, if you prefer more spice or salt)

Others:

• 6 Tomato slices
• 1½ Cups arugula
• 6 Slices Swiss cheese
• 6 Brioche buns, split horizontally
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil for the gas grill

Instructions:

Patties:

1. Turn the gas grill to medium-high
2. Put all of the ingredients for the patties into a large bowl, and mix to combine
3. Divide the mixture into 6 portions, and shape into a patty which slightly bigger than the bun
4. Brush the hot rack of the grill with olive oil. Place patties on the grill rack. Cook patties until golden brown. Flip the patties
5. About 45-50 seconds before the second sides are grilled, put Swiss cheese on each patty and keep grilling until the cheese melts and patties are done to your preference
6. Take the patties out and place on a plate. Cover with aluminum foil loosely to keep them warm

Spreads:

1. Put all of the ingredients for the spread except mayonnaise, salt and black pepper into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth
2. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and add mayonnaise. Mix to combine. Add salt and black pepper
3. Divide the spread among six burgers equally and set aside

Assembly:

1. Put the buns, cut sides down, on the outer edges of the grill rack. Toast buns until the cut sides are lightly brown
2. On the cut side of the bottom of the bun, put 2/3 of the spread, place 1 patty with cheese, 1 slice tomato, 1/6 of arugula and the remaining 1/3 of the spread
3. Put the top of the bun, cut side down, to cover and press gently
4. Repeat this with the rest of buns, spread, patties with cheese, arugula and tomato slices