Fritas with Cuban avocado salsa and tomato sofrito

Fritas are the name of small burgers served all over Cuba. They are sold by street vendors and make the ideal snack food. Allow for 2 burgers per person.

Makes 8 burgers (2 per person)

• 125g fresh bread crumbs
• 100ml milk
• 600g well trimmed, coarsely minced beef
• 200g minced pork
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 onion peeled, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• pinch of paprika
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• vegetable or sunflower oil to cook

Toppings:

8 small burger buns, split
50g shredded iceberg lettuce
Cuban avocado salsa
Tomato sofrito
Spicy plantain chips

To Make:

1. Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. In a bowl gently combine both meats with the breadcrumbs. Add all the remaining burger ingredients. Mix well but do not overwork. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

2. Divide the mix into 8 small evenly sized patties; brush liberally with the oil.

3. Heat a chargrill or pan grill until very hot, add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or longer if preferred.

4. Toast the buns, top the bases with the shredded iceburg, followed by the salsa. Top each with a patty, then spoon some hot tomato sofrito over.

5 Replace the burger lids, serve with the spicy plantain chips and remainder of salsa on the side.

Tomato Sofrito

• 30ml olive oil
• 1 onion, peeled, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 x 400g can peeled plum tomatoes or 500g fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato purée

To Make:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the onion, garlic and dried oregano; cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes until softened.

2. Add the cumin, hot pepper sauce and cook for a further 2 minutes

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and cook for 10-15 minutes until all the juices have evaporated and the sofrito is thick in consistency. This will keep covered in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.