CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: 'Rommie' Burgers

These oval meat logs have their roots in Romania.

'Rommie' Burgers

2 pounds ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 jalapeno (optional)

3 cloves garlic

½ cup chopped parsley or cilantro

2 eggs

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of pepper

½ teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons olive oil

Place ground beef in large bowl. Place remaining ingredients in food processor. Pulse until onions are finely chopped and remaining ingredients are blended. Add to ground beef and, using your hands, blend well. Shape into 8 (3-inch) oval logs. Broil, bake or pan-fry as desired. (For well done, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.)

Yield: Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 301 calories, 21.7 grams fat (7.5 grams saturated), 130 milligrams cholesterol, 23 grams protein, 2.2 grams carbohydrates, 0.5 grams fiber, 421 milligrams sodium.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.