Turkish Beef Patties With Confetti Couscous Food

TURKISH BEEF PATTIES WITH CONFETTI COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer half the vegetables to a large bowl and half to a medium bowl; reserve the skillet. Add the couscous, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper and 1 1/2 cups boiling water to the large bowl. Stir to combine, cover and set aside 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the ground beef, garlic, ras el hanout, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the medium bowl. Mix with your hands until completely combined. Divide into eight 4-inch logs. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the reserved skillet over medium heat; add the beef logs and cook, turning, until browned, about 8 minutes.
• Whisk the yogurt, lemon zest and juice in a small bowl. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the mint, parsley and dried apricots. Divide the couscous, yogurt sauce and patties among plates.

TACO SALAD WITH SPICED BEEF PATTIES

Steps:

• Toss the lettuce, tomatoes, corn, 3/4 cup pico de gallo and the vinegar in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates or shallow bowls.
• Shape the ground beef into four 4-inch-wide patties and season both sides with the taco seasoning and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until well browned, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Top each salad with 1 beef patty. Drizzle any juices from the skillet over the patties. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup pico de gallo and dollop with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the cheese and tortilla strips.

MOROCCAN COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Make the spice blend: Toast the cinnamon stick, both peppercorns, cumin, coriander, allspice, cloves and cardamom in a small dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, 2 minutes; let cool. Grind in a spice grinder or mini food processor with the ginger, turmeric, cayenne, nutmeg and 1 teaspoon salt. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; use leftover spice blend as a rub for meat or fish.
• Make the couscous: Heat the butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons spice blend and the saffron, if desired, in a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the couscous and stir until toasted, about 1 minute. Stir in the warm broth, remove from the heat, cover and set aside until the couscous is plump, about 7 minutes. Add the lemon juice and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon spice blend.

SPICED BEEF PATTIES WITH COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups water, half of the grated carrots, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the dried apricots, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the couscous; cover and remove from the heat. Set aside until ready to serve.
• Meanwhile, mix the yogurt, half of the cilantro, 1 teaspoon paprika and a large pinch of salt in a small bowl; set aside.
• Combine the ground beef, scallions, cumin, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining grated carrot and 1 teaspoon paprika in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined. Form into four 3/4-inch-thick oval patties.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the remaining cilantro. Serve the patties with the couscous and yogurt sauce.

SPICED BEEF PATTIES WITH COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Mix first 9 ingredients in medium bowl to blend well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
• For each patty, shape 1/4 cup mixture into 3/4-inch-thick round. Heat heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties to skillet and cook to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
• Mound couscous in center of platter and surround with patties. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.