Puttanesca Burger with Garlic Tomato Spread

Ingredients

ALL 16 INGREDIENTS (spread and patties)
2 large and 2 medium vine ripened tomatoes (2 large for the spread and 2 medium for the burgers)
1/4 cup black olives
1 teaspoon non-pareil capers
3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1 large clove garlic
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 anchovy fillet
2 pounds best quality ground chuck
1/4 cup flat leaf italian parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 – 1 ounce slices monterey jack cheese
6 – soft Italian buns
6 – butter lettuce leaves
GARLIC TOMATO SPREAD
2 large vine ripened tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup black olives, pitted, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon non-pareil capers, drained
3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil, coarsely chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced or pressed
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 anchovy fillet, chopped (canned packed in oil)
PATTIES
2 pounds best quality ground chuck
1/4 cup italian flat leaf parsley (stems removed), chopped
2 medium vine ripened tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 – 1 ounce slices monterey jack cheese
6 – soft italian buns split
6 – Butter lettuce leaves
Vegetable oil, for brushing onto the grill rack

Instructions

GARLIC TOMATO SPREAD To make the garlic tomato spread put the tomatoes, black olives, capers, olive oil, basil, garlic, cayenne and anchovy fillet into a food processor. Process until well combined. PATTIES To make the patties, place the beef into a large bowl. Add the parsley, tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that will fit onto the bun. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties onto the grill rack and cover, turning once, until done to preference. 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium. During the last minute of cooking place a slice of monterey jack cheese onto each burger. Also, during the last minute of cooking place the buns, cut side down, onto the outer edges of the grill to toast lightly. Cover the grill during the last minute. To assemble the burgers, put equal amounts of the garlic tomato spread over the cut sides of the buns. Place a lettuce leaf onto the bun bottoms. Place a patty on top of the lettuce leaves. Place bun tops onto the patties and serve.