Orhan Patties

One night back in 2006, when we were living on our boat in Deale, Maryland, our friend Orhan came over for cocktails before dinner.  In the course of conversation he offered to make us dinner.  But there was a catch - I had to do the cooking - he would direct me!  That was his style!  I was missing just a couple of ingredients so he went to his boat and returned with them and we went to work, him sitting just a few feet away from me in the main salon while I worked in the small galley.  You can read more about Orhan by CLICKING HERE.

Tonight we are going to have Orhan Patties as we have called them ever since that night.  I used to make these up whenever we would be doing a long passage on the boat.  They would be in the refrigerator and easy to grab for some quick protein when underway.  We ate them cold.  We ate them warm.  We loved them then and we love them now.

Here is the recipe.  You will love these "burgers" like no others!  You don't need buns so for those of you watching your carbs...these are perfect!


2 lbs ground beef
1 onion - finely chopped
1 head of garlic - about 1/4 cup, minced fine
1/4 C. Italian bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 T. cumin
Fresh ground pepper

Mix everything together.  Make patties. Cook.

OK, it really is that simple but I will expound on it a bit.  The onion needs to be very finely chopped but don't use a food processor - it just isn't the same.  If garlic bothers you reduce the amount but don't eliminate it.  The cumin really makes it so don't leave it out!

This makes 8 nice sized patties.  Orhan also made some "fingers" that we ate right from the pan while I cooked the rest of them.  So, you could make these as an appetizer too.

I have always cooked them in a skillet, well, because that it how "we" cooked them that first time.  But tonight we put them on the grill and they were perfect!  Try these - you will love them.  Just always, please, call them "Orhan Patties".