Classic Hamburger

Cooking Instructions

Method:

Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and season with salt. Cook, while stirring, until the onion is tender and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Combine the onion, ground beef, cheese, parsley, mustard, egg and peppercorns in a medium bowl and season with salt; mix well. Form 4 round patties, each approximately 1 inch thick. (Patties can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated until needed and up to 8 hours. Remove them from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.)

To cook outdoors, put the burgers on a hot grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. For indoor cooking, center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F. Warm 1 Tablespoon oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the burgers and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes for medium-rare.

Meanwhile, lightly brush the bread with the remaining 1 Tablespoon oil. Grill or toast in a skillet until golden, about 2 minutes on each side. Rub the hot toasted bread with the cut garlic.

Spread some mustard on a piece of toast and top with a burger, a lettuce leaf, some tomato slices, and another slice of toast.

Round out the Meal:

With baked sweet potato chips and spicy cole slaw

Kid Friendly: Limit the pepper and omit the garlic and mustard. Use either cheddar or Emmenthal cheese

Healthy Option:

Use lean ground turkey

Pairing:

The golden-hued Corona from Mexico, a smooth OB from Korea, and a Belgian Chimay ale all make excellent accompaniments, no matter which variation you choose.

From Daniel's Dish: Entertaining at Home with a Four Star Chef by Daniel Boulud (Filipacchi Publishing, 2003)