Spiced Beef Patties with Couscous

Spiced Beef Patties with Couscous

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Description

Robert Colombi of Paris, France, writes: "My mother was Sicilian and my father, Corsican, but I was born in Morocco and lived there for many years. I learned how to cook mostly from my mother, but also from my many travels throughout Morocco (which is why my favorite spices are coriander, thyme, and cumin). As I became older, I developed a stronger interest in cooking, especially after I moved to France and got married. I guess I started to feel very nostalgic about the country of my childhood, and it became more important for me to remember and re-create those tastes for my French friends and family."

Ingredients

1 1/3 pounds lean ground beef (20% fat)
1 large onion, minced (about 2/3 cup)
3 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 10-ounce package plain couscous, prepared according to package instructions
Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Mix first 9 ingredients in medium bowl to blend well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
  2. For each patty, shape 1/4 cup mixture into 3/4-inch-thick round. Heat heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties to skillet and cook to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  3. Mound couscous in center of platter and surround with patties. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.