Italian Burgers With Fresh Basil Food

GRILLED ITALIAN BURGERS

Steps:

• Prepare an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
• Gently mix the beef, oregano, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl until just combined.
• Shape the meat into 4 6-ounce patties, about 5-inches in diameter. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty and lightly sprinkle the outside of the patties with salt and pepper. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium, adding a slice of cheese to each burger during the last minute of cooking.
• Mix the mayonnaise and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl. Quickly toast the buns on the grill for about 1 minute and then spread with some of the mayonnaise mixture. Top with a burger and then some fresh basil leaves. Serve with giardiniera on the side.

BASIL BURGERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the basil, onion, bread crumbs, wine and garlic salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight patties. , Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Top with cheese if desired. Serve on buns.

ITALIAN BURGERS WITH FRESH BASIL

Steps:

• Combine first 9 ingredients; shape into 4 patties.
• Place on grill and close lid. Grill over medium-high heat 7-8 minutes on each side or until desired level of doneness.
• Top patties with cheese and grill 1 more minute or till cheese melts. Place muffins on grill, cut sides down, and grill 1 minute or until lightly toasted.
• Top each burger with 2 Tbsp pasta sauce and a sprig of fresh basil.

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.

ITALIAN BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the salami in a single layer and cook, turning once, until crisp, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
• Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 2 minutes. Stir and continue to cook until tender, about 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Form the beef into four 6-ounce patties, about 3/4 inch thick; press the center of each patty with your thumb to make a 1/2-inch-deep indentation. Season the patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil, then grill the patties, indentation-side up, until marked on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until marked and slightly firm, about 3 more minutes for medium doneness. Remove the patties to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. Grill the rolls, cut-side down, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
• Toss the arugula, vinegar, and olive oil to taste in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Spread the ricotta on the bun bottoms and top with the burger patties, salami, mushrooms and arugula salad. Cover with the bun tops.

NORTHERN ITALIAN TRATTORIA BURGER

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the parsley, basil, thyme, shallot, garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard and puree until smooth. Add the butter and pulse until well combined. Transfer to a small bowl and reserve.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 1/2 of the cheese into 2 to circles (approximately 4 1/2-inch in diameter) in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes. Then carefully flip with a spatula and cook for another 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining 1/2 of the cheese.
• Meanwhile, to make the speck, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the speck and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
• To make the patties, put capicola and rosemary in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. In a large mixing bowl, combine the capicola mixture, chuck, salt, and pepper; mix well. Separate the mixture into 4 equal portions and form the portions into patties to fit the size of the buns.
• Heat large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for 3 1/2 minutes. Flip the burgers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or to desired doneness. During the last few minutes of cooking, top the burgers with equal amounts of fontina cheese and tent with aluminum foil to melt cheese. Also, during last few minutes of cooking, toast the buns.
• To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of Italian Herb Butter on the cut sides of the buns. On each bun bottom, arrange equal amounts of pine nuts, Crispy Speck, arugula, a patty topped with cheese, and a Frico. Cover with the bun tops and serve.

TASTY ITALIAN BURGERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and garlic. Crumble turkey and turkey sausage over mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties. , Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-8 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165° and juices run clear., Brush buns with oil; grill, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until toasted. Serve burgers on buns with pesto, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato and basil.