Sesame lamb patties with chickpea and spinach salad

These posh little burgers are served with a punchy dressing laced with tahini and mint.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 (Makes 12 patties)

1tbsp oil
1 garlic clove
2tsp cumin seeds
1½tsp ground coriander
500g (1lb 2oz) lean minced lamb
75g (3oz) white breadcrumbs
6 spring onions, finely chopped
1tbsp mint leaves, finely chopped
50g (2oz) sesame seeds, lightly toasted
For the salad
1 x 410g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
100g (4oz) baby spinach
100g (4oz) radishes, thinly sliced
150g (5oz) tub 0% Greek yogurt
1tbsp tahini
juice ½ lemon
few sprigs mint leaves, finely chopped
pomegranate molasses, to serve

1 Preheat the oven to 200 C, 180 C fan, 400 F, gas 6. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the garlic and cumin seeds. Fry for 30 seconds, then stir in the coriander.

2 Transfer to a bowl along with the mince, breadcrumbs, half the spring onions and the mint. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Combine well and shape into 12 patties. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes or until needed. Roll each ball in the sesame seeds, pressing lightly until coated all over, then transfer to a greased baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.

3 For the salad, put the chickpeas, spinach, radishes and remaining spring onion into a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini and lemon juice. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and stir in the mint. Add a tablespoon of water if the dressing is too thick. Pour over the salad and toss together. Serve with the warm patties, drizzled with pomegranate molasses.

Per serving: 524cals, 25g fat, 6g saturated fat, 32g carbohydrate

Antioxidants
Without them, we would be susceptible to infections or worse. Our body does produce them, but we need to boost our defences by eating foods high in antioxidants. They neutralise free radicals, which cause disease; though the jury is still out on how much we can protect ourselves against serious disease through an antioxidant-rich diet. Basically, they are forms of vitamins and minerals found in fruit, veg, seafood, seeds, nuts, fish and oils. Whatever research says, we do know these are all foods that should have a regular place in your diet.

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