Good evening,
I know I am starting to sound repetitive here, but the dreaded “L” word is here. I still am in total denial; however, I am trying to be positive and embrace the change. I know for a lot of people, the kids here in NY went back to school either last week or start tomorrow. With everyone getting into the full swing of routines, school nights etc. I wanted to share one of my beloved weeknight recipes from my favorite chef and TV personality Ina Garten. I low key am obsessed with her, I have all of her books, record every episode, and I can confidently say, that any recipe of hers I have tried and conquered has been nothing short of spectacular. In any event, this is a fabulous recipe that will make you still feel like summer is in the air (hey it technically is until Sept 22 at 3:20 PM). I usually opt for Olive Oil and I do half a bun or no bun to watch my carbs.
Makes 4 Hamburgers
- Canola or grapeseed oil
- 4 cups (¼-inch) sliced red onions (2 medium)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon good red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons dry mustard powder, such as Colman’s
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1¼ pounds ground beef with 20% fat
- 1¼ cups grated Gruyère cheese (4 ounces)
- 4 sandwich potato rolls, such as Martin’s
- Ketchup, for serving
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan over medium heat, add the onions, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and starting to brown. Add the sugar, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned and caramelized. Add the vinegar and cook for 30 seconds to deglaze the pan.
Meanwhile, combine the dry mustard, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Place the ground beef in a medium bowl and sprinkle on the mustard mixture. With your fingers, lightly work the mustard into the beef and shape into four 1-inch-thick patties. Place them on a plate and freeze for exactly 15 minutes.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1½ tablespoons oil. From the freezer, place the burgers directly in the hot skillet. With a large metal spatula, firmly press each burger into the pan. Cook the burgers for 2½ to 3 minutes, without moving them, so the bottoms get browned and crusty. Flip the burgers, then spoon on the onions and sprinkle the Gruyère on top. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the burgers for 1½ to 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are medium-rare inside. Place one burger on each roll and serve hot with ketchup on the side.
Recipe & Photo: Credit of the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten