Moroccan-Spice Burgers

Ground beef seasoned with Moroccan spices and herbs transforms a classic hamburger into a memorable meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen sweet potato fries
• Kosher salt
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ras el hanout (Moroccan seasoning) or pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 sesame buns, split and toasted
• Sliced tomatoes, baby arugula and pitted cured olives, for topping

Directions

1. Bake the sweet potato fries as the label directs; season with salt and 1/4 teaspoon ras el hanout. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F and keep the fries warm in the oven. Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, harissa and 1 grated garlic clove in a small bowl; refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Combine the ground beef, parsley and the remaining 2 grated garlic cloves and 11/2 teaspoons ras el hanout in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined. Form into four 3/4-inch-thick patties; season on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare.

3. Serve the burgers on the buns with a spoonful of the harissa mayonnaise and some sliced tomatoes, arugula and olives. Serve with the sweet potato fries and remaining harissa mayonnaise.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine