Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Mediterranean Burgers


Ingredients (adapted from Ladies Home Journal recipe)
4 hamburger buns or rolls, split
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
2 teaspoons jarred capers, rinsed, drained and coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 pound of very lean ground beef. (use kosher buffalo if you are adventurous)
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red bell pepper (from a 12-ounce jar)
3 tablespoons plain bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for grill
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red wine or sherry vinegar
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 artichoke hearts (from a 14-oz. can), drained and thinly sliced
1 cup (1 ounce) arugula
(or lettuce for the rest of us who can't afford arugula!)

Preheat grill to gill pan to moderate heat. Grill rolls, cut side down, until just golden, about 1 minute; set aside.
Combine mayonnaise, garlic, capers, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Cover and set aside.
Using hands, gently mix meat, onion, roasted pepper, bread crumbs, oil, basil, oregano, vinegar, rosemary, salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl until just combined. Shape into 4 (1 inch thick) patties.
Lightly oil grill rack or pan. Grill burgers, turning once, about 8 minutes for medium well.
Spread a heaping tablespoon mayonnaise mixture on bottom half of each bun. Layer with artichoke slices, burger and arugula(or lettuce); cover with top half of bun. Serve immediately.

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