Spicy Casablanca Burgers with Pistachio-Apricot Relish and Green Olive Tapenade
Ingredients
1 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup unsalted natural shelled pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped
3 Tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 pounds ground lamb
1 medium shallot, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup natural shelled pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped
vegetable oil for brushing on grill
12 4 – 6 inch plain pita breads
1 jar (8 ounce) prepared green olive tampenade
wooden picks as needed
Instructions
In a medium bowl combine the apricots, the red onion, the roasted red peppers, the vinegar and the olive oil. Stir to blend. Mix in 1 cup pistachios and the mint. Cover bowl and set aside while making burgers.
Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover or preheat a gas grill to medium-high.
In a small bowl combine the cumin, the ginger, the salt, the pepper, the cinnamon, the coriander, the allspice and the cloves. Whisk to blend. In a large bowl combine the lamb, the shallots, 1/2 cup pistachios and the spice blend. Gently combine taking care not to over-mix. Shape the mixture into six (6) equal patties.
When grill is ready, brush the grids with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the grill and cook, turning once, until the internal temperature of the patties registers 160ÌŠ F. on an instant read thermometer, about 4 – 6 minutes per side. During the last few minutes of cooking, place the pita breads on the grill to lightly brown.
To assemble: Spread 1 Tablespoon of tapenade on six (6) of the pita breads. Top the tapenade on each of the pita breads with one patty. Top each patty with an equal amount of relish and top with a pita. If necessary secure burgers with wooden picks. Serve immediately. Serves 6.