Horn of Africa Burgers

Get ready to savor a timeless classic with our rendition of the All-American Cheeseburger. This recipe is a tribute to the burger that's been a steadfast favorite for generations, a true culinary masterpiece. The savory goodness of ground beef, the subtle sweetness of minced onions, melted cheese, with the warm and aromatic flavors of Horn of Africa spice blend makes each bite an unforgettable taste adventure. Join us as we explore the art of crafting the perfect Classic Cheeseburger with a unique twist. Serves 4

 

INGREDIENTS

1  pound (450g) 80/20 Ground Beef
2  ounces (60g) minced Onions
2  teaspoons Horn of Africa spice blend
1  teaspoon Kosher Salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon Granulated Garlic


For Serving:
4 slices of your favorite Cheese
4 Hamburger Buns
 

 

MISE EN PLACE

  1. Mince onions: Chop onions as small as possible with a kitchen knife. (Please do not use a blender or a food processor to mince the onion. The onions release a lot of moisture, and the extra moisture can make the patty more delicate and prone to falling apart during cooking.)
  2. Prepare the Meat: Place the ground beef and minced onions large mixing bowl, begin by pressing the back of a fork into the meat and then lifting it up and over the onions. This motion helps to incorporate the onions evenly while breaking up any clumps.
  3. Incorporate Seasonings: Sprinkle Horn of Africa, kosher salt, and garlic on top of onion and meat mixture. Ditch the fork and gently mix the ingredients together with your hand. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
  4. Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into burger patty (about 4 inches in diameter). The patties should be very thin and much wider than the diameter of your burger buns to compensate for shrinkage during cooing. (See Notes)

 

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat or set an electric griddle at 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toast the Burger Buns: Toast the hamburger buns on the skillet/griddle or in a toaster until they are lightly browned. (Optional)
  3. Cook the Patties: Place the burger patties on the heated surface. (If you're using ground beef with a higher fat content (e.g., 80% lean, 20% fat), it will release enough fat as it cooks, and you will not need to grease your skillet/griddle). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium burgers, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness. If you're using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  4. Add sliced cheese: During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty, allowing it to melt.
  5. Assemble the Cheeseburgers: Place each cooked burger on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Add any toppings and condiments you prefer, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, avocado, ketchup, or mayonnaise. (Anything accept mustard, we found the distinct sharpness and tanginess of mustard clashed with Horn of Africa.) Place the top half of the bun on each burger to complete your cheeseburgers.
  6. Now, your delicious Horn of Africa Spiced Cheeseburgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them with your favorite side dishes like French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

 

NOTES:

  • Shrinkage during cooking: Ground meat tends to shrink as it cooks due to the loss of moisture and fat. If you shape the patties to be the same size as the buns, they may end up smaller than the bun after cooking, leaving you with an unbalanced burger.