Cumin-Spiced Burgers With Harissa Mayo

Ingredients

• 3 lbs ground chuck
• kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 cup harissa
• 2 teaspoons harissa
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 large red onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 oval rolls, split (6-inch ea)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon caraway seed
• tomato, slices
• cucumber, slices

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chuck with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of the harissa, the cumin, garlic powder and thyme.

2. 2

   Form the meat into eight 3/4-inch-thick oval patties.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, toss the onion slices with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

4. 4

   Heat a grill pan.

5. 5

   Cook the onions over moderate heat, turning once, until tender, about 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

7. 7

   Grill the burgers over moderately high heat, turning once, until medium, about 8 minutes.

8. 8

   Grill the rolls until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.

9. 9

   Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise with the caraway seeds and the remaining 2 tablespoons of harissa; season with salt and pepper.

10. 10

    Spread the mayo on the rolls.

11. 11

    Top with the patties, onions, tomato and cucumber; close the sandwiches and serve.