We have all seen on the packets of burgers the list of E numbers and preservatives. Also do you ever wonder how old and how good is the quality of the meat?



What better way of knowing the quality of the meat than to make the burgers fresh yourself. That way you know they are made from the freshest meat. Of course there will be no artificial colors or preservatives. They'll be packed with all the proteins and vitamins that fresh meat provides.

Here is a quick and simple recipe for lamb patties (small burgers) using fresh lean minced lamb. This is accompanied with a fresh and tasty mint salad inside a wonderful wholemeal Pitta pocket.

Ingredients: Serves 4

1Kg fresh lean minced lamb

60g finely chopped fresh parsley

1 medium onion finely chopped

25g finely chopped fresh mint

1 clove of garlic, crushed

1 egg

Salt and pepper

Mint Salad

4 small ripe tomatoes

20g whole fresh mint leaves

1 small red onion finely sliced

1 tablespoon of olive oil

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Method

Place the lamb, parsley, mint, onion, garlic and egg into a large bowl. Knead all the ingredients together while adding salt and pepper for seasoning. The use of the egg is to bind the ingredients together while adding extra protein and vitamins to the meal.

Shape the mixture into eight small patties and leave until you have made the mint salad. To make the Mint Salad first slice the tomatoes into thin rings. Place them in a bowl along with the sliced red onion, whole mint leaves, olive oil and lemon juice.

Using a spatula or large spoon gently turn over the salad. Add salt and pepper for seasoning at the same time. Stop when the salad is evenly coated with the olive oil and lemon juice.

Once the salad is prepared brush on the patties a little olive oil both sides to stop them sticking to the hot barbeque grill. Place the patties on the barbeque and cook on each side for approximately 3-4 minutes. Make sure there is a nice brown crust on the bottom before you turn. Otherwise it may fall apart.

Put the wholemeal Pitta breads on the barbeque only for a few seconds to brown both sides. Using wholemeal Pittas gives the meal an extra higher fibre content than using ordinary white pittas.

Once browned take off the pittas and cut in half. Open them up and place inside them a little salad. Add a lamb pattie and then a little more salad.

If you like natural yogurt, it is a great compliment as a dressing. It is also good for your digestive system because natural yogurt has good bacterial properties.

This cooking recipe is rich in nutrients. It has protein, vitamins, iron, minerals and good bacteria for the digestive system. A truly wholesome meal for the whole family. Enjoy.