Cumin Coriander Beef Patties

SERVES 4

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
¼ cup yogurt
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Place the meat in a bowl. Add the onion, ginger, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, yogurt and vinegar, and mix well with your hands or a rubber spatula, turning and mashing and kneading to blend the fl avors and to get a smooth texture. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour.

Add the cilantro and mix in. Shape eight medium patties, wet your hands with water, then scoop up about ¼ cup of the mixture. Use your hands to shape and press it into an oval or round ¾-inch thick. Give it several light but firm squeezes so it holds its shape, then place it on an oiled plate and repeat with the remaining meat. To grill the patties, prepare a charcoal or gas grill to mediumhigh. Lightly oil the rack.

Transfer the patties to the grill and cook, turning them after 5 to 6 minutes, until done.