Bacon Cheddar Burger with North African Spices, Oven Fries and Harissa Mayo Spread

Mediterranean Spiced Bacon Cheeseburgers with Harissa Mayo Spread and Oven Fries

There is nothing more fun than getting together with friends and family (or, friends who are like family) and pitch in together to whip up some good old hamburgers and fries.  But, you Know me, I like to spice it up!  So Thursday night, I created a spice blend based on North African spices and spices I love for the burgers. Because I was a guest and some of the others are not fond of "spicy"*, as in hot* I toned the heat way down*. 

Here is my spice blend:

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

2 tablespoons smoked Paprika

1 teaspoon cumin seed

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon fennurgreek leaves

1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon Chappli spice mix

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon All Spice

I grind all of the spices together in a spice grinder after gently toasting in a small skillet. A little heat draws out the oils in leaves and seeds and wakes up the flavors in pre-ground seeds, roots and chiles. 

The above spice mix makes a solid half cup, possibly just a little more.  I added 1.5 rounded tablespoons of the spice mix directly the meat, sprinkling it all over the meat before mixing. 

Speaking of that, here are my additional ingredients for the meal, altogether:

1 pound lean ground beef or sirloin
1 pound ground chuck, 85% lean
1 pound thick sliced bacon, about 12 slices
1 bag, or, two pounds new potatoes, washed and sliced into fry wedges
3 large dill pickles, sliced into boards
1 rounded tablespoon Harissa red chile sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil mayonnaise
1 small clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or grape seed)
salt and pepper
sliced cheese (I used a smoky yellow cheddar)

I made the burgers and Anne (Annie) made the new potato oven fries. She sliced the new potatoes and tossed them if vegetable oil, salt and pepper.    Teamwork is best and fun!

I added three tablespoons of mayo to one tablespoon of Harissa and the minced garlic, a little salt and pepper.  This was the spread for the burgers!

I added the spice mix and three tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, mixed the ground beef, and formed four large burgers.  I poked a hole in the center of each burger so it would grill evenly.  

We even grilled the bacon!  A burger without bacon is second rate, so sayeth I!!!

Afterward, we grilled the burgers, slathered on the spread and put our burgers together with sliced garden fresh roma tomatoes from Anne's mom's garden and boards of dill pickles.  Such a hearty, aromatic and flavorful meal! 

It may be autumn, but it is not too late to get out there and grill up a fantastic meal!

As always, my friends and gentle readers, Thank You for your time and consideration!

~Martin

In-House Cook