Taste, buddies!

I am by no means a chef. But, about every few months, I get tired of microwaving Lean Pockets and actually cook something that makes me wanna slap my mama -- who happens to be the most amazing cook in this universe. Of course, I would never really slap her. She lives nine hours away -- to fly there just to wind up and give her a love tap would be silly. So, the expression is a just figure of speech. Got that, Mom? Don't start returning my bday gifts!

So, here's a simple little recipe courtesy of Real Simple. If you like Middle Eastern food, you should dig this dish.

Spiced Mini Burgers with Couscous from Real Simple

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce box couscous (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 scallions, sliced
• 4 plum tomatoes, quartered
• 1 seedless cucumber, cut into half-moons
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 8-ounce container hummus
  

Directions

1. Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour 1½ cups hot tap water over the top. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.*
2. Form the beef into 12 small ½-inch-thick patties. Sprinkle with the cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook to the desired doneness, 4 minutes per side for medium.
4. Toss the couscous with the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, remaining oil, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
5. Serve with the burgers and hummus, if using.