Carne Amore

Pairs well with:

Zinfandel

Bright and full-bodied, this Zinfandel wine is a curious contradiction in tastes.

Long Island is highly populated with citizens of Italian heritage.What better way to showcase their love of native foods than to incorporate the ingredients into a delicious Italian-American burger?

Ingredients:

3 lbs. ground beef
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 thick slices mozzarella cheese
four ripe roma tomatoes
3 T. chopped red onion
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
ciabatta rolls or ciabatta loaf cut into six portions

Instructions:

In small bowl, dice tomatoes. Add chopped onion, oregano, salt, pepper and olive oil. Toss and let rest. Meanwhile, divide beef into 6 patties. Place on hot grill or frying pan. Sprinkle each patty with garlic powder. Cook to desired doneness. Place one slice cheese on top of each patty. Remove and place on roll or bread portion. Place about 2 tablespoons of tomato-onion mixture with juices on each burger. Serve immediately.