Mexican Cemita Burger

Submitted by threeovens

"This recipe was one of 5 winners in the 2011 LA Times Burger contest. Cemita is the name of a sandwich popular in Puebla, Mexico. The name also refers to the bun which is an egg-rich bread topped with sesame seeds that is sort of a cross between challah and brioche. The papalo leaves are normally found in most Latin markets, but you can use a combination of cilantro leaves and watercress to mimic their flavor. The recipe was submitted by Harold Cohen of Hollywood, Florida."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 19
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• Chipotle Crema

• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, diced
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from can)
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1⁄4 cup Mexican crema (can substitute creme fraiche or sour cream)
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise

• Avocado Spread

• 1⁄2 cup lightly mashed avocado, preferably Hass (about 3/4 of an avocado)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• kosher salt

• Patties and Assembly

• 3⁄4 lb ground chuck
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo, minced
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from can)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• canola oil, for pan frying
• 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, separated into thin strings (can substitute Oaxacan cheese or quesillo)
• 2 hamburger buns with sesame seeds, toasted
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons watercress leaf, minced (5 papalo leaves, finely minced)
• 1 cup corn tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 2 slices red onions, very thin

directions

1. First prepare the chipotle crema by combining all the ingredients and mixing well (makes 2/3 cup which will keep, refrigerated, up to 1 week).
2. Next, make the avocado spread by combining all the ingredients and mixing well (makes1/2 cup spread which will keep, refrigerated, only 1 day.
3. Next prepare the burgers by combining the ground beef, chipotle peppe, adobo sauce, salt and pepper; mix well to combine, then divide into 2 patties to fit your buns.
4. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add just enough oil to form a thin film, about 2 tablespoons; add burgers and cook until browned on one side, about 3 minutes.
5. Flip and top with cheese.
6. Cover pan with aluminum foil and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare, or to desired doneness.
7. To assemble the burgers, spread the chipotle crema on each cut side of buns; sprinkle minced papalo leaves (or cilantro and watercress) on cut side of bun tops.
8. On the bottom halves, sprinkle tortilla chips, then top with a burger patty, a slice of onion, and avocado spread.
9. Place tops of buns on patty and serve.