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As I write this I’m sitting in a rental house in Cape House, surrounded by in-laws, and our cute (epileptic) dog who couldn’t be left at home. The house is lovely, the weather is phenomenal, and the fact that none of the outlets work for more than 10 minutes at a time has yet to become aggravating.
I’m sure we are going to have our fair share of burgers and hot dogs over the course of this week, given the fact that when everyone gets here this afternoon we will be a household of 14 people, possibly more, depending on various cousin-schedules. I can guarantee that there will be neither filet mignons or complicated fare for most meals. We’re dealing in volume here, people.
We have already made one trip to the price club, and three to the supermarket, and we have been here for just about 18 hours yet. We’re staying for 7 days, which in many ways is just right, but in other ways simply not enough time to set up the house and get in the groove and start to relax before the winding down and packing up needs to begin.
And this very thought is annoying, not the reality of it, so much, as the fact that I’m even having it. Jack is entering his Senior year of high school next year, and Charlie becoming a Freshman (“I Have Two Kids In High School” —I need to practice that sentence aloud). So I’ve been thinking muchly about time, the passage of it, and how to enjoy smaller moments. How to not always feel propelled into the next moment, the next activity, the next plan. And I suck at this.
This week I am going to try and not make every meal my responsibility, not hover over the kids counting their time on electronic devices and criticizing, do as little laundry as possible, and take a few naps. And read. And eat at least one lobster. Or lobstah as most of the people in the house call it.
But there’s no question that I will spend some significant time on front of the grill, which is a place I like to be. Especially if there is a glass of rosé in my hand, and the weather is fine.
A versatile herb sauce tops decadent burgers, but you can also use it many other ways!
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We did buy industrial size bottles of ketchup, mustard and relish (really, who the hell goes through a 28-ounce bottle of relish in the time it takes to justify the fridge space?), and they will be called into service repeatedly.
But shortly I will hit the market for the 4th time and pick up the ingredients for this herb sauce, which I have been using on everything – to dip asparagus and potatoes in, as a spread on sandwiches, and also a topping for these decadent burgers. If you don’t want to use all basil, you can mix it up with some other fresh herbs, like oregano or thyme or marjoram, if you have those on hand.
Let the vacationing begin. And let me know what time it makes sense to have the first glass of rosé.
Other Great Burger Recipes:
- Chipotle Beef Burgers
- Spanish Lamb Burgers with Romesco Sauce and Caramelized Onions
- Deviled Burgers
- Easy Chipotle Sliders
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Grilled Cheeseburgers with Herb Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chuck 80/20
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3 cups arugula
- 3 scallions trimmed and roughly chopped (white and green parts)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- ½ cup shredded fresh mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- 4 hamburger buns
- Slivered red onion optional
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium high.
- Place the arugula, scallions, basil, and salt and pepper in a food processor or blender and pulse to chop, then run the machine to chop finely.
- In a medium bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, if using. Turn the arugula mixture into the bowl and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Place the meat in a bowl and add salt and pepper. Use your hands to lightly but thoroughly mix the seasonings into the meat. Divide the beef into 4 even portions, and use your hands to form even, round patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Use your fingers to press a small indentation into the middle of each patty.
- Make the burgers: Place the patties on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they are cooked to your liking. During the past minute of cooking sprinkle the cheese over the burgers, distributing them evenly. Also place the buns on the grill and let them toast lightly, if desired.
- Place a cheese covered patty on the bottom of each bun, and slather the of top of each bun with the sauce. Sprinkle over the onions, if desired. Place the bun top over the burger and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
