My Favorite Burger

Homemade burgers are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly and easily. By grinding your own meat, you have control over the quality and flavor of the burger. This recipe emphasizes the importance of using good meat, gentle handling, and quick cooking to create the perfect burger. You can also customize the recipe by adding various ingredients and seasonings to enhance the flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers that are sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds not-too-lean sirloin or chuck, cut into 1-inch chunks, or preground meat
• ½ white onion, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat a charcoal or gas grill or preheat the broiler until hot. The rack should be positioned 3 to 4 inches from the heat source. If using a stovetop, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes and sprinkle it with coarse salt.
2. If grinding your own meat, put the meat and onion into a food processor (in batches if necessary) and pulse until coarsely ground. If using preground meat, mince the onion (if using) and incorporate it into the meat. Transfer the ground meat to a bowl.
3. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, and if desired, taste a small cooked portion to adjust the seasoning.
4. Shape the meat into 4 or more lightly formed patties, handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compression.
5. Grill the burgers for about 3 minutes per side for very rare. Cook for an additional minute per side for each increasing stage of doneness. The total cooking time should not exceed 10 minutes unless you prefer well-done burgers. If cooking on the stovetop, follow the same timing over medium-high heat. Cooking time may vary slightly in the broiler depending on your oven.
6. Serve the burgers on buns, toast, or hard rolls, garnished as desired.

VARIATION:

Cheese-Stuffed Burgers:

• Especially good with smoked mozzarella or cheddar; try these burgers with ground lamb. Omit the onion.
• Cut 4 ounces of any melting cheese into 4 pieces and form the meat into patties around each piece. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and proceed with the recipe.

MIX-AND-MATCH IDEAS FOR FLAVORING BURGERS:

Burgers are versatile and can be flavored with various ingredients. Here are some ideas for incorporating additional flavors during the shaping process:

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, basil, chives, chervil, or other herbs
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic or 1 clove roasted garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced anchovy
• 1 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger or ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy, Worcestershire, steak, or other flavored sauce
• ¼ cup minced shallot or scallion
• Tabasco or other hot sauce, to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder, chili powder, or other spice mixtures
• Up to ½ cup grated or crumbled cheese (like Parmesan, cheddar, blue, or feta)
• 1 cup cooked spinach or other greens, squeezed dry and chopped
• 1 or 2 tablespoons ground dried porcini or ½ cup reconstituted porcini, chopped
• 1 mild dried chile, like ancho, soaked until tender and minced
• 1 tablespoon (or more) freshly grated horseradish or prepared horseradish

Enjoy your homemade burgers with the flavors and seasonings of your choice!