Kicked Up Italian Burgers

Italian Burgers

1 T extra virgin olive oil

1 sweet vidalia onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

One-half cup white wine

4 oz. Pepperoni, chopped

1 T dried Italian herbs

One-fourth cup chopped fresh parsley

2 lbs. ground round (85% lean)

One-half lb. Sweet Italian sausage

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

3 T melted butter

8 slices provolone cheese

8 Kaiser rolls

Garnish with whole grain mustard, romaine lettuce, sliced Roma tomatoes, and thin slices red onion.

Add olive oil to medium sized sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions for 4-5 minutes or until translucent and tender. Add garlic and cook for another minute, then the wine, stirring occasionally until completely reduced. Finally, add pepperoni, Italian herbs and chopped parsley, stir to combine, remove from heat and cool.

Meanwhile, with two forks combine ground round, Italian sausage, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. When onion mixture is cooled, add to meat, and with forks, gently mix.

Divide into eight hamburger patties. Refrigerate until ready to grill.

Prepare grill for medium direct heat. Place patties on grill and brush top side with melted butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turn and brush this side with butter. Continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes, or until desired doneness.

Brush cut sides of buns with remaining butter.

Remove burgers from grill, top with provolone cheese, cover and let rest for a few minutes while you grill the cut sides of the buns (1-2 minutes).

Remove buns from grill and add a burgers to each bun.

Dress with whole grain mustard, romaine lettuce, sliced Roma tomatoes, and thin slices of red onion.