Nigel Slater's Lamb, Beetroot and Bulgar Wheat Patties with Cous Cous and Raita

I absolutely adore the contrast of sweet lamb, dusty beetroot and sharp yoghurt in this delicious dish by Nigel Slater.  If you only ever try one of the recipes on my blog, I urge you to try this. It is simply genius, and just thinking of it makes my mouth water!

Ingredients for patties: Makes 12-14 patties

75g bulgar wheat

250g raw beetroot

1 x onion

400g minced lamb

2 cloves garlic

1 tblsp parsley

Oil for frying (any oil is fine - I used rapeseed oil)

Salt and pepper

Method: Patties

Put the bulgar wheat in a heat proof bowl and cover with boiling water and cling film, then leave it to absorb.

Peel the beetroot and onion and grate them coarsely into a large bowl before adding the minced lamb, chopped garlic, herbs and seasoning.

Squeeze any excess water from the wheat with your hands and add to the large bowl.

Mix well and then shape into patties. Cover well and place in the fridge for 1 hour +.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees then heat a non stick pan on the hob with some oil. Fry the patties until lightly browned on each side. Try not to move them  when they're cooking except to flip them, as they may fall apart.

Once sealed, place in a baking dish and into the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile make your accompaniments.

Ingredients for Raita and Cous Cous:

5 tblsp yoghurt

5 x spring onions

Half a cucumber (deseeded)

1 x tsp ground roasted cumin

Half tsp garam massala

Pinch ground chilli

Salt & Pepper

Cous Cous Tabouleh from prevoius recipe

Method:

Finely chop the spring onions and add to seasoned and spiced yoghurt.

Cut the cucumber into smallish chunks and mix in.

Serve with cous cous and well cooked patties.

I hope you enjoy this culinary masterpiece. It is really easy to make, it is just a bit time consuming. It's truly delicious though! You'll quickly see all your patties disappear!