Lamb, strawberry & basil burgers
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Ingredients
500g lamb mince, 60g basil, 300g strawberries, 1 tsp basil oil, 1/2 small white onion, 1 garlic clove, balsamic vinegar |
Tomato and strawberry are virtually interchangeable as far as flavours go and I often substitute strawberry for tomato in salads or sandwiches. Both go perfectly with basil, balsamic vinegar, cream cheese or mozzarella and the strawberry provides a wonderful platform for the rich lamb of this burger.
1) Slice the tops from the strawberries and puree in a blender until smooth. Pass the puree through a sieve to remove the seeds and rough flesh and set aside.
2) Peel and slice the onion and add half of it, along with the clove of garlic and a handful of chopped basil to your blender. Puree until finely chopped, then add the lamb mince and 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry puree. Season well with salt and pepper, then blend until the mixture combines to form a ball.
3) Divide the meat into separate patties and sizzle in a pan with a drizzle of basil oil, turning regularly until cooked.
4) I like to further enhance the flavour of this burger by smothering it in my basil, strawberry and balsamic dressing. To make the dressing pulverise the remainder of the 60g of basil in a mortar and pestle, then stir through two tablespoons of strawberry puree and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
