Fresh and dried mushrooms add moisture to burgers; more important, they add a deep, rich fl avor.
6 large cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
1 small shallot, quartered
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves or
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons chopped tarragon leaves or
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Canola or vegetable oil for oiling the grill grate
11⁄2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
How to make
Beef and Mushroom Burgers
Place the creminis, dried mushrooms, shallot, parsley, tarragon, salt, and pepper in a food processor; pulse until fi nely ground.
Preheat a grill for direct high heat; lightly oil the grill grate. Alternatively, oil a large griddle, grill pan, or skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
Transfer the mushroom mixture to a large bowl; use a fork to stir in the ground beef. Form into 4 patties, compressing slightly and creating a thumbsized indentation on one side of each to keep them from compacting to a ball over the heat.
Place the patties 4 to 6 inches directly over the heat or in the pan. Cook, turning once, until well browned, until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of one of the patties registers 160 F (for medium) or 170 F (for medium well), 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes.
Variations: Substitute any variety of dried mushroom you want: chanterelles, morels, black trumpets, or a combination.
Substitute almost any herb for the tarragon: marjoram, oregano, rosemary, thyme, rosemary, chervil, or chives.