Merguez sausage

1. Put the lamb in a mixing bowl and add the ingredients up to and including the minced garlic.
2. Blend the mixture thoroughly by hand.
3. To test the sausage for seasoning, shape a small portion into a patty.
4. Cook the patty in a lightly-oiled skillet and season to taste.
5. Shape the mixture into eight equal balls, then flatten each into a patty.
6. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the patties.
7. You may do this in two batches, depending on the skillet size.
8. Cook the patties for 8 minutes, turning when necessary.
9. Drain on paper towels.