Italian-style Hamburger

The Italian-style hamburger can be interpreted in various ways, but here I propose a recipe that includes typical elements of Italian cuisine, such as Parmesan, basil, and tomato.

Ingredients

• 500 g of ground beef
• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley
• 1 clove of finely chopped garlic (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• A few leaves of fresh basil
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 4 slices of buffalo mozzarella
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salad (lettuce, arugula, or a mix of your choice) to serve

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the Parmesan, chopped parsley, and, if desired, chopped garlic. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

2. Mix all the ingredients until you have a homogeneous mixture. Form 4 hamburgers from the seasoned meat and let them rest for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

3. Heat a grill or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, cook the hamburgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached.

4. Meanwhile, lightly toast the halved buns on another skillet or on the grill.

5. Assemble the hamburgers: start with some salad on the bottom of the bun, then place the cooked hamburger, a slice of buffalo mozzarella, two slices of tomato, and several leaves of fresh basil. If desired, you can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

6. Cover with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Fun Fact

The hamburger is a dish of German origin, from the city of Hamburg, but has spread throughout the world, taking on local variations. The Italian version pays tribute to classic Italian flavors, transforming an international dish into something distinctly Italian. Buffalo mozzarella in particular adds a touch of creaminess that goes very well with the bold flavor of the meat and the freshness of the basil.

Enjoy your meal!