Spiced beef patties and a couscous salad

Beef Patties

1 pound ground beef or lamb

1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves

1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves

1/2 cup chopped dill

2 large garlic cloves

1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios

1 small onion grated

salt and pepper

directions

1. Place the greens in a food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped. Put the greens in a separate bowl, and pulse the garlic and onion, and then the nuts. Add the garlic, onion and nuts into the bowl with the greens.

2. Add the ground meat, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a 2-3 pinches of black pepper Mix well using a spoon or with your hands until well combined.

3. With wet hands shape into 16-18 patties, about 2 inches wide.

4. put 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large nonstick frying pan and place over medium heat. once hot, add the patties - as many as you can fit without crowding the pan - and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can grill them like sliders.

Couscous, cherry tomato and herb salad

1 1/2 cups couscous

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cumin

pinch nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon turmeric

1 2/3 cups boiling water

1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes

1 bunch scallions, chopped

1/3 cup toasted nuts - optional

3/4 cup mint leaves, finely chopped

3/4 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped

1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

preparation:

1. place couscous, spices and 2 tablespoon oil in a small pot, pour the boiling water over couscous, stir and cover for 10-15 minutes. remove lid and fluff. set aside.

2. put 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large frying pan and place over high heat. Add the tomatoes and fry to 3-4 minutes. remove from pan.

3. add remaining oil and add the scallions. fry for 5 minutes, and a pinch of salt and peppers.

4. once the couscous cools down, place in a large bowl, add the tomatoes, scallions, nuts, and greens. add the lemon juice and zest, toss and top with the tomatoes.