Italian Inspired Burger with Bruschetta

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon

This rich red easily complements your homemade chicken dishes, red meats, game, and mildly seasoned pastas.

Ingredients

Bruschetta
1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup red onions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons Calavita extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Patties
1 ¾ pounds ground chuck (with 15% to 20% fat)
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons Colavita extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, divided into 6 equal portions Vegetable oil for brushing on the grill rack
2 tablespoons Colavita extra virgin olive oil
6 ciabatta bread rolls, split horizontally

 

Instructions

To make bruschetta combine tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, lime juice, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Prepare a medium hot fire in a charcoal grill with cover or preheat a gas grill to medium high. To make the patties, combine ground chuck, basil, cumin, garlic, ginger, salt, red pepper, vinegar, lime juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and put a piece of mozzarella cheese in the middle, cover it with meat and form them into patties to fit the rolls. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 5-6 minutes on each side for medium. During the last few minutes of cooking brush the cut side of the rolls with olive oil and put them on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly. To assemble the burgers, on each roll bottom place a patty and a generous portion of bruschetta. Add the roll top and serve. Makes 6 Burgers