Beef Burger with Achard de légumes and Raita Sauce

I had the opportunity to taste and make an excellent Mauritian turkey and beef burger with pickled vegetables and raita sauce. Two of my dear friends/co-chefs in training showed us what a true born Mauritian would do with pickled vegetables. The combination was beyond delicious! It had well-balanced flavour. I can imagine myself, making it over and over again in the future. Right now, I’m happy to share the exact recipe handed to me by my talented girlfriends.

First, make the pickled vegetables or Achard de légumes. How exciting is this?!

Ingredients: 

• 200g Cabbage, finely sliced
• 200g Carrots, julienned
• 200g French beans, sliced lengthways
• 3tbsp. Black mustard seeds
• 2tbsp. crushed garlic
• 1tbsp. Turmeric powder
• Green chillies, sliced lengthways (optional)
• 10tbsp. Mustard oil or vegetable oil
•  2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2tbsp. white vinegar
• Salt TT

Slightly blanch vegetables in boiling water, making sure not to over-cook the veggies. The crispy texture must remain. Once blanching is done, air out and allow to dry. Meanwhile, mix the mustard seeds, turmeric powder, garlic and a bit of water for moisture.

In a frying pan, heat oil and fry the onion until translucent. Add the blended paste and salt to taste. Add the vegetables with chilies and fry until well coated with oil. Remove from heat, set aside to cool down before adding the vinegar. For storing, fill up a mason jar and keep in the fridge.

The burger is not complete without the raita sauce.

Raita sauce is an Indian condiment consisting of yoghurt, onion and cucumber. It is to balance any strong-flavoured dish. Mix everything in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done keep in the fridge to cool until you’re ready to serve your raita sauce.

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup plain yoghurt
• 1/2 cup chopped deseeded cucumber
• A handful of chopped coriander
• 2tsp. chopped spring onion
• 1/4tsp. Ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. Ground cumin

For the turkey, any leftover meat and regular burger bun are absolutely fine. Nothing fancy! P.S, the sauce also works with beef burger if you don’t have turkey.

Goodluck!