Original recipe by Bobby Flay's "Burgers, Fries & Shakes" cookbook, pg. 66
2 T olive oil
1 T unsalted butter
12 oz. assorted mushrooms (such as cremini, lobster, chanterelles, and stemmed stiitakes), chopped
1 small shallot, finely diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 T chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 T chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean) or ground turkey (90% lean)
1 1/2 T canola oil
4 slices sharp Cheddar Cheese
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Chipotle Ketchup (recipe follows)
Chipotle Ketchup
1 C ketchup
2-3 T pureed canned chipotle in adobo (depending on how spicy you prefer it)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Whisk together the ketchup, chipotle, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. (I actually threw all of it in a small food chopper to make it as smooth as possible.) Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce will keep for 1 week in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
For the burgers:
1. Heat the olive oil and buter in a large saute pan over high heat until almost smoking. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the shallot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme and parsley and transfer to a bowl.
2. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6oz. each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4" thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb.** Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the burgers, using the canola oil and topping each one with a slice of cheese and a basting cover during the last minute of cooking.
4. Place the burgers on the bun bottoms and top each burger with chipotle ketchup, if using, and a large spoonful of the mushrooms. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.
** Why make this deep depression in your raw burger? As you cook your burgers, they will naturally raise in the center. By pressing in the middle, you will avoid the "football round" shaped burgers.