Elk Burger with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground elk meat 1 pound (450g) ground elk meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 ounces (115g) blue cheese, crumbled 4 ounces (115g) blue cheese, crumbled
• 4 burger buns 4 burger buns
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, season the ground elk meat with salt and pepper. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
5. 5.
   Grill the elk patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   During the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a generous amount of crumbled blue cheese and allow it to melt slightly.
7. 7.
   Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute or until lightly golden.
8. 8.
   Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on each bun, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions. Add any additional condiments or toppings of your choice.
9. 9.
   Serve the Elk Burgers immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Elk meat — Make sure to handle the ground elk meat gently when shaping the patties to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in a tougher texture.
• Caramelized onions — Cooking the onions slowly over low heat will help develop their natural sweetness and create a rich caramelized flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the ground elk meat before shaping the patties.
• If you prefer a milder cheese, you can substitute the blue cheese with a creamy goat cheese or feta.
• To add some freshness, top the burger with crisp lettuce leaves and juicy tomato slices.
• Don't forget to toast the burger buns for a few minutes on the grill to add a nice crunch to the final burger.
• Serve the Elk Burgers with a side of sweet potato fries for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Elk Burgers on a platter with a side of sweet potato fries and a fresh green salad. Offer condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise for guests to customize their burgers according to their preferences.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the Elk Burgers on a wooden cutting board or a rustic serving tray. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color.