Hamburgers With Caramelized Grape Tomato Food

GOURMET BURGERS WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO

Steps:

• Drain tomatoes, reserving 1/3 cup oil; set aside. In a large skillet, saute sliced onions in 3 Tbsp. reserved oil until softened. Add vinegar. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes., Meanwhile, chop sun-dried tomatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the red onion, seasonings and remaining 7 tsp. of the reserved oil. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 16 thin patties. Place 2 tablespoons goat cheese on the center of 8 patties. Top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal., Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear, 5-7 minutes on each side., Place buns, cut side down, on grill until toasted, 1-2 minutes. Serve burgers on buns with onions and, if desired, mixed greens.

ITALIAN BURGERS WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Make the aioli: Blend the mayonnaise, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a mini food processor or blender until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Make the roasted tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels and arrange on the prepared baking sheet; drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the dried basil, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Roast until the tomatoes start caramelizing, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the caramelized onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sugar and toss to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 20 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring, until browned and caramelized, 15 to 20 more minutes; season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Make the burgers: Preheat a grill to medium high and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Put the beef and sausage in a large bowl and combine with your hands. Form four 3/4-inch-thick patties; season with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers until the edges begin browning, 3 to 5 minutes, then flip and top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and the burgers are done, 3 to 4 more minutes for medium.
• Lightly toast the buns on the grill. Spread the aioli on the top and bottom buns. Sandwich with the burgers, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions and arugula.

SMASHED HAMBURGERS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan over medium heat, add the onions, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and starting to brown. Add the sugar, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned and caramelized. Add the vinegar and cook for 30 seconds to deglaze the pan.
• Meanwhile, combine the dry mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Place the ground beef in a medium bowl and sprinkle on the mustard mixture. With your fingers, lightly work the mustard into the beef and shape into four 1-inch-thick patties. Place them on a plate and freeze for exactly 15 minutes.
• Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. From the freezer, place the burgers directly in the hot skillet. With a large metal spatula, firmly press each burger into the pan. Cook the burgers for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, without moving them, so the bottoms get browned and crusty. Flip the burgers, then spoon on the onions and sprinkle the Gruyère on top. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the burgers for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are medium-rare inside. Place one burger on each roll and serve hot with ketchup on the side.

SKILLET BURGERS WITH TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix ground beef, 1 can tomato sauce, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined. Form 6 patties and top each with an onion slice.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place burgers in the skillet, onion-side down, and brown for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn burgers and drain any grease. Top each burger with a lemon slice.
• Combine remaining tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, chili powder, and mustard; pour over burgers. Cover and simmer until burgers are cooked through and sauce has thickened, at least 1 hour.

SUN-DRIED-TOMATO BURGERS WITH BALSAMIC-GLAZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix ground beef, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons reserved tomato oil, grated onion, dried basil, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl. Form mixture into 8 patties. Transfer patties to prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Keep chilled.)
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Heat remaining 4 tablespoons reserved tomato oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Simmer until onions are deep brown, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. (Can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Wrap in foil and reheat on grill 10 minutes before serving.)
• Grill burgers until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Place 1 burger on bottom half of each bun. Top with onions and bun tops and serve.