Pesto Burgers

Pesto Burgers

Ingredients:

For the Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tbsp parmesan, grated
• Pepper to taste
• 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

For the burgers:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 8  slices mozzarella
• 8  buns, sliced

Preparation:

For the pesto: In a food processor combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, parmesan, fresh ground black pepper and olive oil. Blend all the ingredients until there are no more chunks.

In a large bowl combine the pesto, ground beef, parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and egg. Mix it just until all the ingredients are combined. Divide the mixture into 8 even burgers.

Grill the burgers on a grill on high heat, covered, about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once. During the last few minutes of grilling, toast your buns and top each with a slice of mozzarella, covering again to melt. Transfer them to the sliced buns and top with the a spoonful of marinara suace and other burger toppings (onion, lettuce, tomato, etc). Serve with napkins and demolish.