Mideast Beef "sausages" With Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 medium onions, minced
• 3 ounces canned chick-peas, drained & chopped in half
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced (or 1 Tbsp dried)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons gingerroot, grated
• 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 3/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Sauce

• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 pinch saffron, dissolved in 1 tsp hot water
• 3/4 cup cream cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°F Spray a non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. 2

   For the sauce; in a small saucepan, combine broth, lemon juice (for sauce), cardamom & dissolved saffron. Bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring frequently 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add cream cheese; blend in until mixture is very smooth. Let stand 30 min until flavours are blended.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, to prepare 'sausages', in a medium bowl combine beef, onion, chickpeas, cilantro, ginger, coriander, curry powder, salt, cumin & remaining lemon juice.

5. 5

   Form into 12 equal sausage shaped logs. Place logs onto a prepared baking sheet.

6. 6

   Bake 10 min, until cooked through. Divide evenly & serve with sauce.