Friday, July 3, 2009

Happy Burger Weekend

It's July. Therefore, I crave burgers.

I made these chicken burgers for the first time last week in the Ultimate Burger class - I had never used ground chicken to make burgers before, but I have to say, it's a great idea. I think there's a good reason why gourmet burgers are so hot right now. As much as I like the tried and true beef + cheese + pickle combo, there are just so many options. Like chicken + corn + avocado. The possibilities are endless! And everyone loves a good burger.

Recipe for Chicken Burgers with Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa (adapted from John Scoff's recipe from class):

For the burgers:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 of a medium red onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 of a roasted red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 small chipotle pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • salt and pepper
Saute the onions and garlic together for a few minutes over low heat in a little vegetable oil. Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl and blend well. (Keep in fridge while you make the salsa) When you're ready to cook the burgers, heat a skillet or grill pan brushed with a thin layer vegetable oil, form patties with your hands, and cook on each side until firm and well done.

For the salsa:
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 ear of sweet corn, shucked clean and rubbed in a little oil/salt/pepper; grilled on the hot grill pan until charred, turning every so often. Let cool and cut off cob. CORN TIP: If you cut using long, slow strokes, the corn will fall straight down and not go flying.
  • 1/4 of a medium red onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 red pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce
  • juice from 1/2 lime
  • 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper
Mix all the ingredients together for the salsa. Top the cooked burgers with the salsa.

Happy 4th of July!

2 comments:

Keith said...

As interesting as this recipe is, I don't believe "chicken" and "burger" belong in the same sentence...or even the same paragraph!

Veronica said...

Don't knock it until you try it! You'll be a chicken burger convert.