Olive Burger with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (75g) pitted green olives, finely chopped 1/2 cup (75g) pitted green olives, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) olive tapenade 1/4 cup (60g) olive tapenade
• 1/4 cup (60g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss) 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 4 burger buns 4 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves, for garnish Lettuce leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped green olives, olive tapenade, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
5. 5.
   Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until lightly golden.
6. 6.
   Assemble the burgers by placing a patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Top with lettuce leaves and spread the garlic aioli sauce on the top half of the bun.
7. 7.
   Serve the Olive Burgers immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer a juicier burger, opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content.
• Olive tapenade — You can either make your own olive tapenade by blending pitted green olives with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or purchase it pre-made from a store. Ensure the tapenade is finely chopped before adding it to the burger mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the burger mixture.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, to customize the flavor of your Olive Burger.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Serve the Olive Burger with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• To make the garlic aioli sauce, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Olive Burgers with a side of your choice, such as fries or a fresh salad. They pair well with a cold beverage, such as an iced tea or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Olive Burgers, you can garnish them with a sprig of fresh parsley or a slice of tomato on top. Serve them on a wooden cutting board or a platter to create a rustic and inviting look.