Born In Berkeley Burgers (A.K.A. Bacon Cheeseburgers With Aged Teleme, Arugula-Fig Topping, Pepper Bacon, And Lemon-Grilled Fennel)

Serves: 2

Destiney Bartoletti

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

46

Spice

53

Sweetness

51

Sourness

37

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.4

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1

Salt

Directions:

1

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high

2

For the patties: Combine the chuck, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, and salt in a large bowl, handling as little as possible

3

Shape into 6 patties to fit the bun size

4

Loosely cover with plastic wrap and set aside

5

For the fennel: Grate 2 teaspoons zest from the lemons

6

Juice the lemons to yield 2 tablespoons juice

7

Put the fennel rings in a medium-sized bowl and toss with the lemon juice, oil, and salt

8

Put the fennel in a grill basket and grill, shaking the basket occasionally, until soft, 10 to 12 minutes

9

Transfer the fennel to a sheet of foil, sprinkle with the lemon zest, and wrap to keep warm

10

Heat a large, heavy nonstick fire-proof skillet on the grill

11

Add the bacon and cook until crisp

12

Transfer to paper towels to drain

13

Wrap in foil to keep warm

14

For the topping: Drain off the bacon fat from the skillet, wipe out the skillet with paper towels, and set the skillet back on the grill

15

Add the walnuts to the skillet and toast until golden and fragrant; set aside

16

Whisk the vinegar with the oil in a small bowl and season with salt, to taste

17

Combine the figs, arugula, and toasted walnuts in a medium bowl

18

Toss with just enough dressing to coat

19

When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with vegetable oil

20

Place the patties on the rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium

21

Place the cheese slices on the patties during the last 3 minutes of grilling

22

Place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly during the last 2 minutes of grilling

23

To assemble the burgers, place equal portions of the warm grilled fennel on each bun bottom, followed by a cheese-topped patty, 2 bacon slices, and an equal portion of the fig-arugula topping

24

Add the bun tops and serve