Spanish Burgers With Romesco and Manchego Cheese

"These are Spanish-inspired burgers. Romesco, a roasted red pepper pesto, goes perfectly with the beef, and sharp Manchego cheese may just usurp Cheddar as the ultimate cheeseburger topping. You can prepare the Romesco up to two weeks ahead. Add sliced tomatoes and lettuce if you wish, but frankly, less is more here to better appreciate the flavors. I saw this recipe being prepared on a local news station. It was prepared by Rick Rodgers, an author of more than 25 cookbooks."
 
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photo by momaphet
photo by LifeIsGood photo by LifeIsGood
photo by JackieOhNo! photo by JackieOhNo!
photo by JackieOhNo! photo by JackieOhNo!
photo by Queen Dana photo by Queen Dana
Ready In:
40mins
Ingredients:
13
Serves:
4
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ingredients

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directions

  • Build a fire for banked grilling in an outdoor grill.
  • For a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they are covered with white ash. Spread out the mound of coals into a bank, with one side about two coals deep, and the other side of the slope with a scattering of single coals.
  • For a gas grill, preheat the grill on High.
  • Leave one side on High and turn the other side to Low.
  • In both cases, you will have two areas for cooking, one hot and the other cooler.
  • To make the romesco, with the machine running, drop the garlic through the feed tube of a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade to finely chop it.
  • Add the almonds, red peppers, vinegar, paprika, and oregano.
  • With the machine running, gradually add the oil, then season with the salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the sauce to a bowl. (The romesco can be made up to 2 weeks ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.).
  • Working as gently and quickly as possible (overmixing compacts the meat and makes tough burgers), mix the ground round, salt, and pepper.
  • Lightly form into 4 patties about 4 inches wide.
  • Make an indentation, about 2 inches wide and ½ inch deep, in the center of each burger to help it keep its shape during grilling.
  • Lightly oil the cooking grate.
  • Place the burgers on the hot area of the grill.
  • Cover and cook, turning once, until the outside is seared with grill marks, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Move the hamburgers to cooler side of the grill and cover.
  • Cook, turning once, until the hamburgers feel somewhat firm but not resistant when pressed in the center, about 4 minutes for medium-rare.
  • If using a meat thermometer, insert it horizontally through the side of the burger to reach the center --it should read 125°F.
  • During the last 2 minutes, top each burger with the cheese, and place the buns on the grill to toast lightly and warm through.
  • Place a burger in each bun, top with a large dollop of romesco sauce, and serve immediately.

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Reviews

  1. I wasn't quite sure what to expect at first but this was wonderful. I loved the romesco. There was plenty left over romesco that I used as dip for chips on the side.
     
  2. This was just ok for us, DH really didn't care for the sauce I liked it a little more. I used yellow pepper in place of the red. It's always good to try something new even if it's not exactly to our liking - thanks for sharing. Made for ZWT 8 by one of The Wild Bunch
     
  3. The romesco sauce was very good. I enjoyed it, but family preferred it without. What went over really well was the manchego cheese which melted so well over the burgers. Yum! Your burger-making directions for grilling is perfect! Made for ZWT8 Spain. Thank you!
     
  4. This was really delicious, and a great way to elevate the humble cheeseburger to a gourmet experience. I made everything exactly as posted, using smoked paprika and sherry wine vinegar in the romesco. I could not find sourdough rolls, but used some Portuguese rolls instead, with most of the inner crumb removed. This is a hearty, flavorful meal. Thanks for sharing. Made for ZWT8.
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I want to thank all of you who review the recipes I post - good or bad. It's always good to get feedback and helpful tips and I really appreciate them all! I try to send a note when someone reviews one of my recipes, but I don't always get the chance. Please know that I really enjoy reading the reviews. I also love all the photos everyone posts, too! Thanks so much. Happy Cooking!
 
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