Meat and Vegetable Burgers

I can provide you with a recipe for meat and vegetable burgers. This is a basic recipe, but as a true expert in Italian cuisine, I suggest adding a Mediterranean touch with aromatic herbs such as rosemary or oregano, to give a fragrance and flavor typical of our beautiful country. Now, here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500g of ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 1 egg
• 50g of breadcrumbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil or cooking oil
• Italian aromatic herbs (optional): chopped rosemary or oregano, to taste

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, and zucchini.
2. Add the egg and breadcrumbs to bind the ingredients. Mix well until you have a homogeneous mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add Italian aromatic herbs for a more Mediterranean flavor.
4. Divide the mixture into equal portions and form burgers to the desired size, pressing well to compact them.
5. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan or grill. Once the oil is hot, cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are well browned and cooked to the desired doneness.
6. Once ready, remove the burgers from the pan and let them rest on a plate for a moment before serving.

You can serve the burgers with a side of fresh salad, baked potatoes, or grilled vegetables. For an even more Italian touch, try adding a slice of mozzarella on top of your burger towards the end of cooking to let it melt slightly, and some fresh basil leaves.

Curiosity

The hamburger is traditionally seen as an American dish, but in fact, its origins are linked to various culinary cultures, and the adaptation with local and traditional ingredients is common around the world. In Italy, for instance, it’s not rare to find burgers enhanced with ingredients like Parmesan cheese or tomato-based sauces to give a unique taste that ties back to Italian tradition.