Islak Burgers

1. Stage

Set a small pot over medium-low heat. Melt butter and add garlic. Once garlic becomes aromatic (about 30 seconds), add tomato paste and ketchup and stir or whisk to break up the paste and evenly distribute the garlic. Add the can of tomato sauce and water. Stir and let the mixture simmer uncovered on a very low heat to allow the garlic to penetrate the flavor of the tomato sauce as you work on the hamburger patties. 

2. Stage

Mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, and black pepper. Do not add the salt at this stage. 

3. Stage

Divide the ground beef mixture into four portions and quickly create patties that are the size of the buns, or a little larger (they will shrink once cooked). 

4. Stage

Heat a pan on high heat (cast-iron is ideal); it should sizzle when you splash a few drops of water on it. It is now time to salt both sides of the patties. Drizzle a little bit of canola oil to coat the pan and add your patties. Once the first side is fully cooked (about 3-5 minutes) and releases easily from the pan, flip it. At the end both sides should have a nice sear to it. Set patties aside. 

5. Stage

Check on the tomato sauce and salt and pepper as desired. Dip hamburger buns halves and burger patties in the tomato sauce, generously coating both sides. Assemble the burgers on a separate plate.

6. Stage

Place a new pan on medium-high heat and add about 1/2 to 1 cup of water so it covers the bottom of the pan. Once water is heated, place a large sheet of baking or parchment paper over the water in the pan. Place the burgers on top of the parchment paper and cover pan with a lid to allow the burgers to steam for a couple minutes until the bread is soft.