Cracked Wheat And Beef Patties (trakht)

To make filling, heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add onions and beef, and cook, stirring occasionally, and breaking up meat for 7 minutes or until beef changes colour and mixture is dry. Add butter, spices, pine nuts, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, and cook for a further 10 minutes or until mixture is dry and meat is tender. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
Soak burghul in cold water for 45 minutes or until softened. Drain well to remove excess water. Working in 2 batches, process mince, 1 tbs salt, pepper paste, berbere, onion and burghul in a food processor and process until combined; the mixture will be sticky. Add up to 125 ml extra water to bind if necessary.
To shape the patties, using the back of a small plate lined with plastic wrap, flatten 2 tbs burghul mixture to form 54 x 12cm rounds. Spread 2 tbs filling over 27 rounds, then top with remaining rounds. Carefully mould to enclose the filling and form a patty.
Fill a deep-fryer or large saucepan one-third full with vegetable oil and heat over medium heat to 180C (or until a cube of bread turns golden in 10 seconds). Working in batches, gently drop the patties into the oil and fry, turning halfway, for 2½ minutes each side or until crisp and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.
Serve patties hot with lime wedges, lettuce leaves and flat-leaf parsley.