Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 burgers

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Ingredients

For the Fried Plantains

• 4 yellow (not too ripe) plantains
• 2 liters (8 cups) vegetable oil (for frying)
• 200 ml (¾ cup) water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste

For the Meat Patties

• 605 g (1 ⅓ lb) ground beef
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Haitian marinade (see note below or your favorite seasoning)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil

For the Garnish

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 slices yellow cheese
• 1 tomato, sliced into rings
• 4 lettuce leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Burger Sauce
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 gherkin, finely chopped
• ¼ small red onion, finely chopped
• To prepare: In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• 🌶️ 
• Pikliz (Haitian Spicy Slaw)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 24 hours
• Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups
• 🧾 
• Ingredients
• 2 habanero peppers (or Scotch bonnet peppers), finely chopped
• 50 ml (3 tbsp + 1 tsp) vinegar
• 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) all-purpose seasoning (such as Sazón GOYA or your preferred mix)
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground black pepper
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) salt
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• ½ small white cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, grated
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly julienned
• 1½ green bell peppers, thinly julienned
• 👩‍🍳 
• Directions
• Blend the chili mixture:
  In an electric blender, combine the habanero peppers, vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth or slightly chunky (depending on your preference).
• Slice the vegetables:
  Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, thinly slice the onion and cabbage. Grate the carrot and julienne the red and green bell peppers.
• Mix everything together:
  In a large bowl, combine the onion, cabbage, carrot, and bell peppers. Pour the chili-vinegar mixture over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.

👩‍🍳 

Directions

For the Fried Plantains

1. Peel the plantains and cut them in half crosswise.
2. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the oil to 180°C (350°F).
3. Fry the plantain pieces for about 3–5 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Flatten the plantains using a tostonera (plantain press), a plate, or a board.
5. In a bowl, mix the water and lemon juice; add salt and stir until dissolved.
6. Dip the flattened plantains in the lemon water for a few seconds, then fry again until crispy and golden. Drain and set aside on paper towels.

For the Meat Patties

7. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, Haitian marinade, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
8. Form patties by hand.
9. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook patties for about 4–6 minutes per side, or until browned on the outside and slightly pink or fully cooked inside, depending on preference.

For the Garnish

10. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion with a little salt and pepper for 2–3 minutes.
11. While the patties are finishing, top each with a slice of cheese and let it melt slightly. Remove from heat.

To Assemble the Burgers

12. Assemble each burger using the fried plantains instead of buns:

• Place one fried plantain on a plate.
• Add burger sauce (optional).
• Layer the cheese-topped beef patty, tomato slices, lettuce, onions, and pikliz.
• Top with another fried plantain.
• Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Serve immediately and enjoy!