Thursday, June 27, 2013

Pass the Cook Book Club: Bobby Flay's Greek Burgers

I recently joined a new blogging group called the Pass the Cook Book Club.  The idea is to pull out those dusty cookbooks and discover some new recipes that may have been overlooked.  Although I've been better about using my giant cookbook collection since joining Eat Your Books, I'm still up for any opportunity to use them more.  This month, we cooked burgers from Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, and these burgers were seriously amazing!  I've made the basic burgers from this cookbook (which were fantastic), but had never tried some of the more creative flavor combinations like this Greek burger.  The burger is paired with juicy, fresh tomatoes; a tangy yogurt-cucumber sauce; a brine-y olive spread; and melted feta cheese.  Wow!  I usually can't resist adding ketchup to any burger, but this one totally did not need it.  All the flavors combined perfectly to create a super-flavorful burger.  My only misstep here was to sub in English muffins for the burger buns - I was sick of buying packages of eight buns and only managing to use four of them, but the English muffins didn't quite work here - I'd stick to regular buns next time unless you're willing to eat this with a knife and fork!


Bobby Flay's Greek Burgers (adapted from Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes)
Serves 4

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (low/non-fat is fine)
1/4 cup grated cucumber
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
3/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
2 T olive oil
1 pound ground beef
Oil
Crumbled feta cheese (I used the type with Mediterranean herbs from Trader Joe's)
4 English muffins, split and toasted
4 thick slices of tomato

1. Stir together the yogurt, cucumber, and garlic in a small bowl.  Season generously with salt and pepper.  Set aside while you prepare the rest of the meal.
2. Combine the olives, thyme, and olive oil in a food processor and process until the olives are finely chopped.  Set aside.
3. Divide the meat into four equal portions and pat each into a thin patty.  Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.  Rub oil onto the skillet, and then add the burgers.  Cook until they're almost done to your liking, and then add the cheese and cover with a lid for about a minute.
5. Place a toasted English muffin half on each plate, and then build your burgers: a thick slice of tomato, a burger, and a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce.  Spread the top half of each English muffin with the olive paste, and then top the burgers.  Serve hot!

9 comments:

  1. The Greek ones were the bomb, weren't they. That's what I made too and we loved them. I like the fact that you used a full tomato slice instead of dicing it. Makes much more sense.

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  2. I often have hamburger buns left over, too. My favorite way to use them is to butter (or garlic butter) the inside and toast them up in a skillet and serve them like garlic bread. My family secretly wishes I'd buy a whole package just for that reason.

    But I digress....the Greek sauce sounds so good. I am always left second guessing my choice when the reveal day comes around.

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    1. Okay, that garlic bread-hamburger bun idea sounds AMAZING. I am so trying that next time I have extras!

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  3. I love everything about that burger - even the olive spread, I am slowly liking olives!

    Since its just me and my husband, every time I buy burger buns, I freeze them individually on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes, then put them in a freezer bag - they don't stick together. I either take them out the morning I need them on the counter to defrost, or I have a "frozen bread" button on my microwave - fresh buns and no waste! :D

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  4. MMMMmmmm - I thought about making this burger, I love Greek Food. Looks wonderful!

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  5. Looks so yummy I really want to try this one!

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  6. I always love new twists on burgers, and this one looks great! Just in time for a 4th of July BBQ!

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  7. I love that cookbook, everything we made from it has been delicious. We have yet to try this one, hopefully soon.

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  8. It was my first month too!! Wasn't it fun?!

    Your burgers look delicious. And I feel you on the bun situation.... Although I have found that Fresh Market has some that are brioche hamburger buns that I think are only 4. (I'm questioning that count now though...)

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