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Over the last few weeks friends and co-workers alike have been lamenting that ‘Summer is almost over!” Well, maybe we have reached the mid-point of Summer … but there’s plenty of time left. So let’s get grilling!
Since I’m such a big fan of Burgers on the Grill, this weekend I’ll be firing up some traditional ‘summer cookout’ fare: Hamburgers and Summer Squash … with a twist.
What I use:
- Ground Prime Rib
- Ground Veal
- Summer Squash
- Ciabatta Buns
- Vidalia Onions, sliced
- Butter, room temperature
- Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper,
- Worcestershire Sauce
- EVOO
- Tools: Mandolin, Griddle plate
Aioli
- Mayonnaise
- Grated garlic
- Vidalia Onion & Fig Sauce (Stonewall Kitchen)
- Sea Salt, Ground Pepper
How I Do It:
Mix the ground prime rib and ground veal (2:1.5 ratio) together in a bowl.
Season with salt, pepper and a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce and form into burger patties.
Wash the Summer Squash and cut the tops and bottoms off. Cut the squash in half. I use a Mandolin (carefully) with the Julienne blade to slice the squash into ‘shoestrings’. (I love, love my Mandolin)
In a bowl, season the squash with salt and pepper and add a 1 to 2 tablespoons of soft butter and mix until the squash is coated. Spread the squash out on a medium-hot griddle. I turn the squash often with tongs so nothing burns.
Along with the squash, I grill the Vidalia onion slices until browned. (I sprinkle a little sea salt and brown sugar on the onion slices before grilling, it adds a little sweetness and aids in caramelizing the onions).
When the squash and onions are almost browned through, I put the burgers on the grill. While the burgers are cooking you can make the Aioli: mix the mayo and fig sauce in a small bowl (this can be made ahead). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Also, if you want your buns toasted, now would be the time to get them on the grill.
Assemble the burgers and onions on the Ciabatta buns, top with a dollop of aioli, add a side of shoestring squash and a glass of white wine … lunch on the patio is served!
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