Fritas Cubanas (Cuban Hamburgers)

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked mashed potatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Buns and condiments of your choice

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, mashed potatoes, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix until thoroughly combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through.
5. Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato.

Interesting Facts

• Fritas Cubanas are the national dish of Cuba.
• The burgers are usually served with shoestring potatoes.
• Fritas Cubanas have been called the “Cuban hamburger” since the 1950s.
• The burgers are traditionally cooked on a plancha, a flat metal surface.