Spiced Lamb Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Halloumi Cheese

  

Often, I am unsure if what I am doing is correct. What can I say? It’s my first time and each corner I turn, each crossroad I stand at makes me stop and think “What next?”, “Where do I go from here?” 

Being a mother is an adventure of a lifetime. And I know I only have one go at this so I better make sure that I do this thing called “raising a child” right.

Unfortunately, we were never handed out an instructions manual when our children were born. Wouldn’t it be great to have that manual given to you along with the birth certificate?

There are days when I wish I had that manual. I’d flick to the index look up where my kid is troubleshooting and find a quick fix for the problem. It does not work that way though and as parents we are often left scratching our heads and looking for the solution to the current tantrum is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

The years have moved along, the kid turned from a starry-eyed toddler to a smutty-faced third-grader, and as a parent, I have learned a few tricks. I still do not have all the answers, and am never sure if the answers that I do have are all the right ones but I have learned to trust my instincts. Although it is still scary, at the same time, parenting is wonderfully exciting and rewarding.

One thing that I have learned along the path is “that everything is just a phase!” I keep that branded in my mind. Sometimes I wish I could tattoo it on the kid’s forehead so that I do not forget to stop for a breath and chant the phrase like a powerful mantra when my patience is really being pushed to the limit.

Ticking out at bedtime? It’s just a phase. Wearing swim goggles everywhere, not just the pool. A phase. Suddenly deciding that only green grapes are safe to eat when I have bought a crateful of red ones? (Breath) Another phase.

My instincts tell me to ride along this roller coaster of phases, after all he needs to develop, to discover and to learn to make his own decisions. I am doing my best to guide him rather that desperately fight these phases and I realize how immensely liberating it is when we progress through the phases together, like a team.

Recently, a well known fast food chain with the golden arches enticed young boys with Lego figures from the Star Wars series The Clone Wars. The hottest phase since the Pokémon phase. While the boys of the third grade collected these figures from the fast food place, Soeren would come home and tell me about the newest figures his friends showed him. While Soeren counted the figures, I was counting the numbers of kid’s meals one would have to eat before all the figures were collected. He never asked me to take him there directly because he was aware there was no way that was happening, at least not for all seven of the figures.

My conscience however, was getting the best of me and I was beginning to crumble. I hate peer pressure! One morning I drove past the place, the big golden “M” shone down on me and as if enlightened by the higher force, I was struck by an exceptional idea and decided to surprise Soeren.

That evening we had a Mac Mum’s Meal, homemade lamb burgers, with grilled halloumi cheese and oven baked fries and apple juice, served in brown bags with a red heart drawn in crayon and the arches of the M adorning the center of the heart. M for Mum of course. This mum had a very satisfied grin on her face when the kid came running into the kitchen flustered and excited holding up seven brand new Lego Star Wars figures. The force was with me!

The lamb burgers are wonderfully succulent spiced with flavors of coriander, cumin and a sprinkling of cinnamon, while the halloumi cheese adds an exceptional salty note. Topping it all off are sweet caramelized onions.   

Recipe: Spiced Lamb Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Halloumi Cheese

Printable version of recipe here

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 kg minced lamb
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 burger buns, to serve
• 200 g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 3 large red onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Method:

1. Place the minced lamb in a large mixing bowl and add the garlic, onion, crushed coriander, cinnamon and cumin. Season well with salt and pepper and mix all the ingredients using your hand until combined.


2. Divide into 8 portions and shape the mixture into burgers. If you want to check the flavor, fry a small burger in a drop of oil before shaping the rest and, if necessary, add extra flavorings or seasoning.


3. Place the burgers on a tray and cover with cling-film. Allow them to relax for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.


4. You can either heat up a skillet and fry the burgers on each side in a little olive oil for 5-8 minutes or heat up the barbecue and cook them for 5-8 minutes over medium-hot coals. To prevent the burgers from sticking, brush with a little oil before barbecuing them.


5. In the same way fry the halloumi cheese on both sides until slightly brown.


6. For the caramelized onions, heat oil in a large frying pan over low heat. Add the onions and a good pinch of salt and cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.


7. When onions are softened and colored golden, add sugar and balsamic - this starts the caramelization process. Continue to cook onions over low heat for a further 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sticky and caramelized.


8. To assemble the burgers place lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber slices on one side of the bun. Place the lamb burger on the salad, a few caramelized onions and finally top with the cheese. Cover with the other half of the bun.

Note: Use your favorite sauces or relishes to add additional flavor to the burgers.

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Verdict

 

Everyday, parenting teaches me new lessons and that, I know is not a phase. “Once a parent, always a parent” was what my mum often said – now I know what she meant. The tricks I learn along the way are sometimes frustrating, often exhausting but all of them are rewarding, especially when I see the results. Looking at Soeren I think I might be doing a few things right.

Like these burgers! They are so downright right and satisfying that even the kid agreed Mac Mommy’s rocks. The fusion of flavors here is exceptional, with the warming aromas of coriander, cumin and cinnamon, paired with the sweetness from the soft and rich caramelized onions and the slight saltiness of the grilled halloumi. A burger that everyone will enjoy digging into!

The weather has been incredible here lately. Although the mornings are still cold, the warmth of the sun warms us during the sun. The first signs of Spring are visible as trees begin to bud and the flowers are sprouting in my garden. I wish you a warm and happy week ahead and hope the weekend brings you lots of fun, food, friends and family your way. 

More great Mac Mommy Meal ideas from WFLH:

Vegetable Paneer Frankies with Mango Chutney	Chicken Club Sandwiches	Pain Crevettes

 

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