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Spiced Sliders with Date Ketchup

4.5

(5)

To make your own baharat spice blend, mix one teaspoon each of ground coriander and cumin with half a teaspoon each of cinnamon and paprika.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

Date Ketchup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup ketchup
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted, chopped
1/2 cup pale lager
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

Sliders and Assembly:

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 pound ground lamb
8 ounces ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon baharat (spice blend)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 slider buns, split, toasted
Bibb lettuce, caramelized onions, and sliced feta (for serving)

Ingredient info:

Baharat is available at Middle Eastern markets and online.

Preparation

  1. Date Ketchup:

    Step 1

    Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 5–8 minutes. Add ketchup, dates, and beer; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to prevent burning, until thick and slightly darkened, 20–25 minutes.

    Step 2

    Remove pan from heat and stir in vinegar. Let mixture cool slightly. Purée in a blender, thinning with water if needed, until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Let cool.

    Step 3

    DO AHEAD: Date ketchup can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill.

  2. Sliders and assembly:

    Step 4

    Using your hands, gently mix onion, garlic, lamb, beef, parsley, and baharat in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Form scant 1/4-cupfuls of lamb mixture into twelve 2"-diameter patties.

    Step 5

    Heat oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Place patties in skillet and immediately reduce heat to medium. Cook about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve patties on buns with date ketchup, lettuce, caramelized onions, and feta.

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