Italian patties

It's still summer, therefore you may have a few more barbecues left. Try this as an interesting alternative to the traditional beef burger, served with a side salad. It also cuts out some of the hassle of my other burger recipe and can be prepared in as little as half an hour.

Italian patties
Prep time: 30 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients
450g beef mincemeat
75g sundried tomatoes in oil
2 tbsp basil, chopped finely
Black pepper, to season
4 slices parma ham
12 little gem lettuce leaves
Fresh green pesto
Mozzarella bocconcinis
100g cherry tomatoes
Basil leaves

Method

1. Drain and chop the sundried tomatoes. Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves. Drain the mozzarella and cut into slices (or tear) and put in a small bowl. In two separate bowls, place the pesto and cherry tomatoes (halved). This is so people can help themselves, but you could alternatively serve it all up on the plate.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, sundried tomatoes, chopped basil leaves and some black pepper, ensuring the meat is broken up and everything is mixed well.
   
   
   
3. Divide the mixture into 12 miniature balls, and squash slightly to form 12 little patties.
   
4. Slice each piece of ham into 3 strips, then wrap each patty in a strip of ham.
   
5. Cook on the BBQ (or in a very hot frying pan) for a few minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
   
6. Serve on the lettuce leaves with the pesto and mozzarella, garnished with basil. You can also serve with some salsa, if you like.