Bushka Burgers

HOUSEMANAGER (Charlene)'s Note:

These burgers have evolved over a very long time of trying different ingredients and techniques. They got the name "Bushka Burgers" a slang Russian name given to me by my Russian husband in my efforts to produce the perfect burger. They are moist, juicy and big on flavor. Serve them with your favorite burger garnishes and watch them disappear!

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1 medium onion , finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons butter , softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley , chopped
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 8 large hamburger buns
• ½ cup melted butter

Directions:

1. COMBINE in a large bowl, the beef, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, 2 tbsp butter, parsley, Liquid smoke, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. (Do not overwork the mixture, otherwise your burgers will be tough.)
2. FORM into 8 equal-sized flatter patties. Separate each burger with wax paper, stack and put into the freezer to firm them up.(This helps them to cook evenly and stay together.)
3. PREHEAT grill to medium-high.(Apply a little vegetable oil to the grate before you fire it up and your burgers won't stick to the grate.)
4. GRILL burgers to desired doneness turning only once.
5. BRUSH burger buns with the remaining ½ cup melted butter and grill cut side down until crisp and golden brown.

Reviews

[Myrna in London]

These were the best burgers bar none that I have ever had. They were thick, juicy and incredibly flavourful. I particularly like the addition of the liquid smoke. I had no trouble envisioning these cooked over the glowing embers a good hardwood fire rather than the urban electric BBQ that lives on my balcony. I appreciated your handling instructions as well, definitely a bonus in producing the look of the ultimate burger. I topped them with caramelized onions and nested them on home made buns...fantastic! Thank you Charlene.

[Merlot]

Wonderful tasting burgers. I particularly like the addition of the Liquid Smoke which I believe puts these burgers over the top. They are juicy and full-flavored. All your hard work for the "perfect" burger paid off. Thanks for sharing this great recipe. :-)

[ChipotleChick]

Great burgers, but were very sloppy on the grill. Even after we brushed the grill with oil, they still stuck and a couple were falling apart. The taste made up for it though! Very good!