Italian-Style Pizzaiola Burger

Ingredients:

• 1.3 kg ground beef
• 8 sourdough buns, halved on the sides
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1/4 cup (5 – 6 pcs.) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 1/3 cup basil leaves
• 1/3 tbsp. grated mozzarella
• 1/4 tbsp. grated parmesan
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 tsp coarse salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• Side dish of your choice for serving: grated cheese, mozzarella, basil, tomato slices, marinara sauce, prosciutto, sliced ​​olives, roasted red bell peppers, lettuce, arugula, ketchup, pesto sauce

Preparation:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill or place a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a food processor, combine the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, all-purpose cheese, tomato paste, pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
   
   Add the minced meat and mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon. Form into 8 patties, each 10 cm in diameter and 1.5–2 cm thick. Fry for 5 minutes on each side. Let the patties rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Brush the cut side of each bun with olive oil and lightly grill for 1 minute.
4. Place each patty on a bun, top with desired garnish and sauce, cover with the other half of the bun and serve.
   
   
   This dish is paired with Cabernet Sauvignon wine.