Spiced Mini Burgers With Couscous Salad

By á-8497

Real Simple April 2008

Hands-On Time: 25m
Total Time: 25m

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce box couscous (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 scallions, sliced
• 4 plum tomatoes, quartered
• 1 seedless cucumber, cut into half-moons
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 8-ounce container hummus (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour 1½ cups hot tap water over the top. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.

2. Form the beef into 12 small ½-inch-thick patties. Sprinkle with the cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook to the desired doneness, 4 minutes per side for medium.

4. Toss the couscous with the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, remaining oil, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

5. Serve with the burgers and hummus, if using.