Swahili Burger

 

I was wanting to create a burger that was not only delicious but also healthy, creative and culturally innovative.  My taste buds soon started reaching for the earthly ingredients from Africa.  That is when I decided to do a little bit of research.  I tied together spices, meat, fruits, vegetables and breads that have always been very local and common to the Native African and are still today.  This burger just speaks their language.  That is why I call this burger "The Swahili Burger".

Burger Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
3 TBS spice blend (see recipe below) (store bought works also)
1/2 cup slightly packed cilantro, chopped (plus, 6 cilantro sprigs)
1 TBS from lemon zest (reserve juice for slaw)
2 ozs raisins
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
6 slices lettuce
6 pineapple rings
12 slice Millet Bread, toasted (or choice of 6 burger buns)

Directions:
1.  In large bowl add beef, spice blend, cilantro, lemon zest, raisins and salt, to taste.  Fold together to incorporate thoroughly.  Mold into 6 burgers. 
2.  Heat grill to med/high.  Grease grill to prevent burgers from sticking.  Grill burgers 5-7 mins on each side or until done.  Place on bread or buns smothered with peanut butter.  Add slaw and slaw mix to burgers.  Serve

Spice Blend:
1 TBS ground coriander
1 TBS cinnamon
1 TBS cumin
1 TBS ground cloves
1 TBS onion power
1 TBS ground ginger
1 TBS brown sugar
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp curry
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

Slaw Mix:
4 TBS lemon juice
1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
2 TBS sweet chili sauce
1 tsp Spice Blend (recipe above)
2 TBS white sugar
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 TBS cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 ozs raisins

Note:  If you do not yield enough juice from lemon you can use pineapple juice.