Blueberry Burgers

Ground Beef

by Cat, July 19, 2014 (Photo, right, from Wikimedia Commons)

See also: 1. Kafta: Middle Eastern Burgers; 2. Marinades and Grilling/High-Heat Cooking Tips for Meats

I first had a version of this recipe at a lunch sandwich shop near my office in Portland. The owners made burgers outside on a grill during the summer months, flavoring the ground beef with a mixture of blueberries or prunes, and a vinaigrette flavored with Middle Eastern spices (the owners were Lebanese).

This recipe is adapted from Eating Well magazine (1).

• 2 slices rusk or dried whole wheat rustic bread with crusts removed (ground to crumbs), OR 2 Tbsp bulgur
• ⅓  cup fresh or frozen and thawed blueberries
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp prepared Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp unrefined sea salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• ¾ lb ground beef or buffalo

1. Grind bread to crumbs; or cover bulgur with cold filtered water in a bowl and let rest for 30 minutes then drain.
2. Mince garlic and press to a paste with the salt, using side of knife blade
3. Puree blueberries, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, salt and pepper in blender or food processor.
4. Break up the meat in a bowl; add breadcrumbs or drained bulgur and pureed mixture. Mix well with hands or potato masher until well mixed.
5. Divide into 4 portions, flattening to about ½” thick and 4″ in diameter.
6. Cook on a grill heated to medium-high. Or coat a broiler pan with oil, then cook burgers in your broiler, to medium-rare. NOTE: Use only meat from farmer/rancher whose methods you trust.

References

1. Eating Well (eatingwell.com/recipes/blueberry_beef_burgers.html)