Pound Cake with Blueberries and Lavender Syrup

photo by Romulo Yanes

yield
Makes 4 servings

active time
35 min

total time
45 min

No need to worry about why this Dominican burger shares a name with the Argentinean sauce—nobody knows. Instead, just call it a chimi, grab a cold beer, and enjoy!

ingredients

• 1 1/4 pound ground beef chuck
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
• 1 carrot, coarsely grated
• 1 small red onion, cut into rings
• 1 tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

preparation

Mix together beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, oregano, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a scant 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Form into 4 (4 1/2-inch-wide) patties.

Heat a large griddle or 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until hot, then lightly toast buns.

Oil griddle, then cook patties, turning once, about 8 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to buns.

Mix together cabbage, carrot, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then cook, turning occasionally, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Divide among burgers.

Oil griddle again, then sear onion and tomato, turning once, until slightly charred, about 2 minutes total. Divide among burgers.

Stir together ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard, then top burgers with sauce.

Source

Gourmet  | September 2007

Andrea Albin

Andouille and Beef Burgers with Spicy Mayo and Caramelized Onions

photo by Brian Leatart

yield
Makes 6

Prolific cookbook author James McNair has been chief judge of Sutter Home Winery's burger cook-off since it began in Napa in 1990. One of his books, Build a Better Burger, includes every winning recipe. Some past winners — and McNair's Louisiana roots — inspired the burger here.

ingredients

Spicy mayonnaise

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Burgers

• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into scant 1/4-inch cubes
• 3/4 cup pecans, toasted, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck or ground beef (20 percent fat)

Caramelized onions

• 1 1/2 pounds onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing grill rack
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar

• 6 large hamburger buns, split
• 8 ounces crumbled blue cheese

• 12 pickled okra pods, halved lengthwise*
• 3 cups watercress tops

preparation

For mayonnaise:
Mix all ingredients in small bowl. Cover and chill.

Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

For burgers:
Toss first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add beef; blend gently. Shape mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick patties. Transfer patties to small baking sheet.

Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

For onions:
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Toss onions and next 3 ingredients in large skillet. Place skillet on grill; cook until onions are golden, stirring often, about 25 minutes. Remove from grill; season with salt and pepper.

Brush grill rack with olive oil. Grill buns, cut side down, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer buns to work surface. Grill burgers until brown on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn over; sprinkle with cheese. Grill until burgers are cooked to desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium. Place some onions, then burger, on each bun bottom. Top each with okra and watercress. Spread mayonnaise on cut side of bun tops; place on burgers. Serve with remaining mayonnaise.

*Shopping tip: Look for pickled okra where the pickles and relishes are displayed.

Source Bon Appétit  | July 2006