Chapli burgers

This recipe is inspired by the thin, heavily spiced Pakistani patties known as chapli kebabs, which are typically drizzled with green chutney and served wrapped in warm naan. This version replaces naan with buns and welcomes the classic crunch of iceberg lettuce.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Place coriander seeds in a small saucepan, and set over medium heat. Swirling pan, lightly toast seeds for
   2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, and finely pound in a mortar and pestle with a pinch of salt (alternatively, use a spice grinder or small food processor). Add pomegranate seeds, and coarsely pound (it's fine if the inner seed does not break down). Scrape paste into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add beef, onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, ½ jalapeno, pepper flakes, garam masala, cumin, ¼ cup cilantro, egg and 2 tsps salt. Use hands to knead mixture until combined.
3. Fry a quarter-size piece of the mixture, and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and spices.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide meat mixture onto parchment into 6 balls, and flatten into thin, 4-inch-round patties.
5. Set a large cast-iron pan over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When it shimmers, lay three patties into the pan, and cook for
   2 minutes on each side until browned, then set aside on a plate. Drain grease from pan, and wipe with a paper towel, then cook remaining patties. (Alternatively, grill burgers over high heat for
   2 minutes per side until browned.)
6. Serve immediately on toasted buns with tamarind ketchup, herbed yogurt and other garnishes.