Italian Burgers
Annabelle Breakey
These burgers get a distinctive tang from giardiniera, an Italian mix of pickled vegetables. If you can’t find it at the store, chop up olives and pickles instead.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Heat grill to medium (350° to 450°). Put onion in a small bowl and toss with vinegar and 1 tbsp. oil; set aside. Mix giardiniera with mayonnaise and oregano; set aside.
Step 2
2
Season beef with salt and pepper, mixing with your hands until just combined. Divide into 4 portions and form into patties. Using your thumb, press a dent into the center of each patty (it will even out as the burger cooks). Brush patties lightly on both sides with 1 tbsp. oil. Brush cut sides of buns with remaining 2 tbsp. oil.
Step 3
3
Drain onion and discard marinade. Grill onion and burgers until onion is softened and charred slightly, about 5 minutes, and until burgers are done the way you like, about 8 minutes for medium-rare. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, top burgers with cheese and lightly toast buns.
Step 4
4
Assemble burgers, topping them with onion, arugula, and a hefty dollop of mayonnaise mixture.
Step 5
5
*Find giardiniera in the pickle aisle of well-stocked grocery stores.
Ingredients
4 slices red onion, about 1/4 in. thick
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
3/4 cup chopped giardiniera*
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 1/2 pounds ground lean beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 ciabatta or focaccia buns, split
4 slices provolone cheese
About 2 cups lightly packed arugula
Directions
Step 1
1
Heat grill to medium (350° to 450°). Put onion in a small bowl and toss with vinegar and 1 tbsp. oil; set aside. Mix giardiniera with mayonnaise and oregano; set aside.
Step 2
2
Season beef with salt and pepper, mixing with your hands until just combined. Divide into 4 portions and form into patties. Using your thumb, press a dent into the center of each patty (it will even out as the burger cooks). Brush patties lightly on both sides with 1 tbsp. oil. Brush cut sides of buns with remaining 2 tbsp. oil.
Step 3
3
Drain onion and discard marinade. Grill onion and burgers until onion is softened and charred slightly, about 5 minutes, and until burgers are done the way you like, about 8 minutes for medium-rare. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, top burgers with cheese and lightly toast buns.
Step 4
4
Assemble burgers, topping them with onion, arugula, and a hefty dollop of mayonnaise mixture.
Step 5
5
*Find giardiniera in the pickle aisle of well-stocked grocery stores.
