Tajik Pastrami Burger

Ingredients

In this Tajik adaptation of the pastrami burger, we incorporate traditional Tajik spices and flavors to create a unique fusion dish. The addition of cumin, coriander, and paprika to the beef patty infuses it with a distinct Tajik aroma. The use of pastrami, a popular ingredient in Tajik cuisine, adds a smoky and savory element to the burger. The spicy Tajik sauce replaces the traditional American condiments, adding a fiery kick to the overall flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Pastrami Burger, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 200g (7 oz) pastrami slices 200g (7 oz) pastrami slices
• 4 burger buns 4 burger buns
• 4 lettuce leaves 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 4 pickles 4 pickles
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Spicy Tajik sauce (recipe below) Spicy Tajik sauce (recipe below)
• Spicy Tajik Sauce: Spicy Tajik Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Tajik chili powder (or substitute with cayenne pepper) 1 teaspoon Tajik chili powder (or substitute with cayenne pepper)

Nutrition

• Calories: 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed.
2. 2.
   Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   While the patties are cooking, prepare the spicy Tajik sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
5. 5.
   Toast the burger buns until lightly golden.
6. 6.
   Assemble the burgers by placing a beef patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with pastrami slices, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the spicy Tajik sauce.
7. 7.
   Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can mix ground beef with ground lamb for added flavor.
• Spicy Tajik Sauce — Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce and Tajik chili powder according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Pastrami — Look for thinly sliced pastrami with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor and texture.
• Burger buns — Opt for soft and slightly sweet buns to complement the savory flavors of the burger.
• Lettuce and tomato — Use fresh and crisp lettuce leaves and ripe tomatoes for a refreshing element in the burger.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, grill the beef patties instead of cooking them in a skillet.
• Experiment with different types of pickles, such as dill pickles or pickled jalapenos, to add a unique twist to the burger.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce or substitute it with a milder hot sauce.
• Serve the Tajik Pastrami Burger with a side of Tajik-style potato salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
• To make the burger more indulgent, melt a slice of cheese on top of the beef patty before assembling the burger.

Serving advice

Serve the Tajik Pastrami Burger with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. Accompany it with a refreshing beverage, such as a cold glass of Tajik green tea or a fruity lemonade.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, skewer a pickle slice and a cherry tomato on a toothpick and place it on top of the burger. Serve the burger on a wooden board or a stylish plate for an appealing visual effect.