Spicy Southwest Burgers

It combines fresh ingredients to create a south of the border flair with an All American Classic.Two great flavors come together to make one tasty burger!

Ingredients:

Caramelized Pepper Relish

1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
1 yellow banana chili pepper, finely diced
1 lime, juiced
1 cup mayonnaise

Patties

3 medium tomatoes
1 teaspoon freshly chopped cilantro
1 1/2 Tablespoons chopped green chilies
2 chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds fresh ground chuck

Vegetable oil for brushing the grill rack
6 slices Monterey Jack Cheese
6 seeded hamburger buns, split
6 green lettuce leaves
6 tomato slices
12 avocado slices

Instructions:

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

To prepare the caramelized pepper relish heat oil in a large non stick skillet on the grill. Cook onion in hot oil for about 10-15 minutes or until browned (caramelized), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat , add curry powder and mix well. Transfer onion mixture to a medium mixing bowl and add diced jalapeno pepper, diced banana pepper, lime juice and mayonnaise. Combine well. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

To make the patties combine tomatoes, cilantro, green chilies, green onions, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add ground chuck. Combine ingredients handling as little as possible to prevent compacting. Divide into six equal portions and shape the 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 to 7 minutes on each side for medium. Place the cheese slices on the patties during the last 3 minutes of grilling. Place buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the grill rack to toast lightly during the last 2 minutes of grilling.

To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of the caramelized pepper relish over the cut sides of each roll. On each roll bottom, place a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, a cheese topped patty and 2 avocado slices. Add the roll tops and serve.

Makes 6 burgers.