Spiced Lamb Patties with Apricot Couscous

A touch of plain yogurt in these Middle Eastern-style lamb patties helps keep them wonderfully succulent, and a dollop of mint-flavored yogurt on the side balances their richness.

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  2 cups lower-salt chicken broth
  
  


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  3-1/2 oz. dried apricots, cut into medium dice (about 1/2 cup)
  
  


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  Kosher salt
  
  


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  1 tsp. ground cumin
  
  


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  1-1/3 cups couscous
  
  


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  1-1/4 lb. ground lamb
  
  


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  5 Tbs. plain Greek yogurt
  
  


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  2 large cloves garlic, mashed to a paste with a pinch of salt
  
  


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  1 tsp. ground coriander
  
  


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  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


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  3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


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  2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh mint; more for garnish
  
  

In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the chicken broth, apricots, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. of the cumin; bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the couscous, remove from the heat, and cover. Let sit until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the lamb, 1 Tbs. of the yogurt, the garlic, coriander, the remaining 3/4 tsp. of the cumin, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Mix by hand, taking care not to overwork the mixture. Shape into eight 1/2-inch-thick patties.

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the patties and cook, flipping once, until browned on the outside and barely light pink in the center, 5 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 Tbs. yogurt and the mint.

Fluff the couscous with a fork. Mix in the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and season with salt and pepper. Divide the couscous and patties among 4 plates. Add a dollop of the minted yogurt on the side and garnish with additional mint.