Kefta is a Lebanese specialty made of ground meat flavored with spices and garlic. Paired with chickpea flour buns, this burger offers a gluten-free and unique take on a Lebanese classic.

Ingredients:

For the Chickpea Flour Buns:

• 250g chickpea flour
• 50g rice flour (optional)
• 1 packet dry yeast (or 20g fresh yeast)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 200ml lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 1 egg (for glazing, optional)

For the Kefta:

• 500g ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a richer flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

For the Garnish:

• Tahini sauce or plain yogurt
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomato
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Lebanese pickles (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chickpea Flour Buns:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour (if using), and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is slightly sticky. If needed, adjust with a little water or flour to get the right consistency.
4. First rise: Cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the buns: Divide the dough into small balls and shape them into circles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second rise: Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). For a golden crust, brush the buns with a beaten egg, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.

2. Preparing the Kefta:

1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the patties: Shape the mixture into small patties, roughly the size of your buns.
3. Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

3. Assembling the Burger:

1. Prepare the buns: Slice the buns in half and spread tahini sauce or plain yogurt on the inside.
2. Add the kefta: Place a kefta patty on the bottom half of the bun.
3. Add the garnish: Top with sliced tomato, lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and optional Lebanese pickles.
4. Close the burger: Place the top half of the bun to close the burger.

4. Serving:

Serve immediately with a fresh salad or homemade fries. This burger is the perfect combination of Lebanese flavors with a gluten-free twist thanks to the chickpea flour buns.

Tips:

• For a more intense flavor, add spices like za'atar or sumac to the ground meat.
• Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with mashed chickpeas, spices, and herbs to make a vegetarian kefta.

Enjoy your meal!