Beef Burger with Vegetables and Arugula Pesto

Savor the gourmet delight of the Beef Burger with Vegetables and Arugula Pesto, a dish that artfully combines the hearty richness of beef with the fresh vibrancy of garden vegetables and the zesty kick of homemade arugula pesto.

Each bite promises a burst of flavors, creating a culinary experience that is both fulfilling and refreshing.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Patty:

  • 500g ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

For the Arugula Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh arugula, packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For the Grilled Vegetables:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and cut into flat panels
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and cut into flat panels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

  • 4 brioche burger buns, halved and toasted
  • Fresh arugula leaves for garnish

Preparation:

Preparing the Beef Patty:

  1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and shape into 4 equal patties.
  3. Brush each patty with olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your preferred doneness.
  4. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burger.

Making the Arugula Pesto:

  1. In a food processor, combine the arugula, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
  2. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  3. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto is smooth.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Set aside.

Grilling the Vegetables:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Toss the zucchini and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill the vegetables for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until tender and slightly charred.
  4. Remove from the grill and set aside.

Assembling the Burger:

  1. Spread a generous layer of arugula pesto on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun.
  2. Place a beef patty on top of the pesto.
  3. Arrange the grilled vegetables on top of the beef patty.
  4. Add a handful of fresh arugula leaves.
  5. Cap with the top half of the brioche bun.

Serving:

  • Serve immediately, accompanied by a side of sweet potato fries or a light mixed greens salad.

Time:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 30 minutes

Serves:

  • 4 scrumptious burgers

Description (continued):

The Beef Burger with Vegetables and Arugula Pesto is a celebration of flavors and textures, with the juicy and savory beef patty perfectly complemented by the freshness of the grilled vegetables and the peppery kick of the arugula pesto.

The pesto, made from fresh arugula, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic, provides a zesty and aromatic dimension to the burger, cutting through the richness of the beef and adding a delightful complexity.

The grilled zucchini and bell peppers add a sweet and smoky note, while the fresh arugula leaves bring a peppery crunch. Encased in a soft and buttery toasted brioche bun, this burger is a testament to the harmony of flavors and textures, promising a gourmet burger experience that is as satisfying as it is delicious.

Enjoy your culinary journey with the Beef Burger with Vegetables and Arugula Pesto!