Directions
The Panozzo corner never sleeps, especially during summer. Today we want to make the ultimate hamburger with Gorgonzola (blue cheese) and walnuts, instead of the classic “tortelli” we put a nice, fleshy patty between two soft slices of bread.
Obviously, there are also bacon, lettuce and a slice of tomato, but the particular combination of Gorgonzola and walnuts is wonderful!
There is not much to say about this burger, except that it’s amazing, maybe a little bit off the beaten track, but well balanced, thanks to the symphony of sweet and savory contrasts of meat, cheese and nuts.
Photo of Michael Shum, the Master As only advice add a few aromatic herbs like marjoram and thyme in the patty and a handful of fennel seeds works wonders too. If you want to give a touch of spiciness to the meat, you can also put in a pinch of cumin.
Ok, are you ready to prepare a great Panozzo?
Ingredients for making the hamburger with Gorgonzola, walnuts and bacon
For 2 burgers
- 4 salad leaves
- 50 grams of Gorgonzola
- 10 walnuts
- 400 grams of meat: shoulder, tri-tip or sirloin
- 1 minced clove
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- chives
- 1 tablespoon of marjoram
- 1 tablespoon of thyme
- salt and pepper
- 2 slices of bacon or pancetta
- 2 tomato slices
- 2 bun
How to make the burger with Gorgonzola, walnuts and bacon
Grind the meat and let your butcher Ramon make it.
Season the beef meat with a pinch of salt and one of pepper, fennel seeds, marjoram, thyme, the crushed garlic and some finely chopped chives.
Knead with your hands then formed two balls, mash them to obtain 2 disks.
When the patty is ready, apply pressure with a thumb on the meat to create a concavity, no need to make a hole, but this way they do not explode during cooking and the meat juices will not come out.
This is a precious piece of advice from Mike Lang, the godfather of the site anotherpintplease, a site you should visit every day, just to smell some stunning pics. Thank Mike!
Ok, refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes and meanwhile prepared the rest. Wash and slice the tomato and husk walnuts and then chop them with a knife.
Put the bacon in a pan over low heat, then cook it for 15 minutes, then throw the fat away (blasphemy!).
Now, are you ready for grilling some burgers? If you have time light up your bbq or use an electric grill.
Cook patties for 4 minutes on the first side of the patty and then turn them and cook for 2 minutes, then put a generous spoon of Gorgonzola over and finish cooking.
The bread needs less than one minute on the grates.
When everything is hot and ready, put bacon on the bread, the tomato, then a slice of salad, the patty with melted Gorgonzola on and then sprinkle with crushed walnuts.
Seal with bread and enjoy a fabulous burger.
What wine to pair with this nasty burger with Gorgonzola, walnuts and bacon?
A good Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley or a nice Carménère from Chile.
If you prefer a cocktail, a fresh and super easy Spritz will make the trick
