Pita Burger
https://foodloversmarket.co.za/recipes/pita-burger/
The latest trend in burgers is a Pita Burger. Basically a ball of ground meat is put in a hot pan and flatten it down with a spatula, flattening it into a thinner larger burger which gets a lovely brown crust. Obviously this also cooks quicker, retaining more juiciness. Here we are taking a more Mediterranean approach to burgers while trying out this new style of cooking.
Cooking Methods
- Frying
- Grilling
Serves
4Prep Time
50 minutesCooking Time
5 minutesIngredients
Burgers
-
600 g medium-fat beef or lamb mince
or a combination 50/50 lamb and beef mince
ground black pepper
coarse salt
garlic salt
oil, for frying
2 large pitas, toasted and sliced in half
Yoghurt Sauce
-
250 ml Greek-style yoghurt
5 ml Food Lover’s Crushed Garlic
¼ English cucumber, grated and drained
Brinjal Slices
-
1-2 brinjals, preferably the longer thinner type
Food Lover’s Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Directions
Burgers
-
Divide mince into 4 and lightly shape into balls, do not press at all.
Heat oil in a pan and allow to get really hot.
Place 2 balls at a time into pan and press firmly down with a sturdy large spatula or metal tray for about 10 seconds; the meat will spread out forming a larger thinner patty.
There will be a lot of sizzling due to the high heat.
Season.
Turn patty after about 60 seconds; the bottom should have formed a lovely brown crust.
Fry the other side for approx 2 minutes, seasoning this side as well, then lift the flattened burger patty out the pan.
The whole cooking process should take no more than 3 minutes.
Yoghurt Sauce
-
Combine all ingredients.
Brinjal Slices
-
Slice brinjal thinly, skin intact.
Heat a griddle pan; brush slices with oil and grill, turning so that the brinjal does not burn.
Remove when slices get slightly crisp and keep until needed.
Assemble
-
In base of each pita pocket, place mixture of onion, tomato and lettuce or cabbage.
Add hummus if using, brinjal slices and a flattened Burger patty.
Top with a good dollop of yoghurt sauce.
Notes
To Serve:
Red onion, finely chopped
Fresh tomato, finely chopped
Lettuce or cabbage, finely shredded
Hummus (optional)
2 large pitas, toasted and sliced in half
