Lean ground beef can be dry, but adding finely chopped sautéed mushrooms keeps the patties juicy and adds fiber. Serve the burgers in warm whole‑grain naan, then pile on a spicy carrot slaw and a quick tahini sauce for a tasty, balanced meal.
Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 1 hour
Spicy Burgers with Tahini Sauce and Harissa Carrot Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 medium portobello mushroom caps, stems removed and finely chopped
- 1 lb (95/5) ground beef
- 4 tsp ground flaxseeds
- 1 ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder, divided
- ½ tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
- 1 ½ tsp harissa paste
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp tahini
- ½ tsp maple syrup
- 4 small whole‑grain naan rounds, lightly toasted
- 4 green lettuce leaves
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a medium non‑stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and stir often until they turn brown, about 4‑5 minutes. Add a splash of water, let it steam for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, flaxseeds, cumin, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Mix well, then shape into four equal patties (about 4½ inches wide). Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes.
- While the meat rests, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice and harissa in a bowl. Add the grated carrots, cilantro, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Toss to coat and set aside.
- For the sauce, blend tahini, the remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, maple syrup, and the other ¼ tsp garlic powder. Thin with 1‑2 tsp hot water until smooth. Set aside.
- Pre‑heat a grill or grill pan over medium‑high heat. Cook the burgers 4‑5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 °F.
- To assemble, place a toasted naan on a plate, add a lettuce leaf, a cooked burger patty, a generous spoon‑ful of tahini sauce, and finish with the harissa carrot slaw. Serve right away.
Serves: 4 | Portion: 1 naan, 1 burger, ½ cup slaw, 1 tbsp sauce
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 398
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Fat: 16 g (Sat 4 g)
- Sodium: 775 mg
- Vitamin A: 403 %
- Vitamin C: 10 %
- Iron: 14 %
- Potassium: 670 mg