Juicy Burgers

My dad makes good burgers. They've even been nicknamed "Billy burgers" and have been requested by many a friend and family member. In an effort to keep up with this very important family legacy, I submit this recipe as tribute. These juicy burgers are simple to make, more difficult to ruin, and packed with flavor. Who knows, when your friends and family try them, they might even give your burgers a cutesy nickname - and who doesn't want that?

What makes these burgers special?

Shredded onion: This is the main secret to the juiciness of this burger. It is essential that the onion is in very small pieces, which is why I do not recommend just cutting it. You can shred the onion or toss it into a small blender-like device and give it a few pulses. I have an old magic bullet that I got for $5 at a garage sale that works great for this purpose. Either way, be sure to incorporate the onion juices into your burger by for example, shredding the onion over the bowl of meat or pouring in the full contents of the blender.

Mushroom powder:

• What is mushroom powder? It is simply dried mushrooms ground into powder.

• Why use it? Mushrooms have a natural umami flavor which can enhance the flavor of meat. The powdered version allows for an even distribution of flavor, with none of the sensory problems often associated with the texture of mushrooms. If you can't find the ingredients or willpower to use mushroom powder, just leave it out. You'll miss out on some flavor but your burgers will still be good.

• How can I find it? Most standard grocery stores sell a couple of options of dried mushrooms in their produce section. Good options are oyster, porcini, or shitake mushrooms. Once you have acquired dry mushrooms it is simply a matter of crushing them into powder. My cheap magic bullet takes care of this in about 3 seconds. A mortar an pestle, spice grinder or unused coffee grinder are also great options. If you don't have any of those, your fist, a meat tenderizer, or a rolling pin smashed against a bag of mushrooms will also do the trick. Think of crushing graham crackers in a ziploc; it's basically that - but mushrooms. Don't have time for that nonsense? Buy some mushroom powder on amazon instead.

Dijon mustard: This classy mustard contributes a bit of acidity and tang to round out the flavor of the burger. Once again, it comes back to the fact that life is about balance. Balance your sweets with vegetables, your laziness with exercise, and your beef burgers with fancy mustard.

Jazz the burgers all the way up

Homemade buns: I swear I'll be coming out with a great burger bun recipe soon but until then, try these. You don't have to use homemade buns to make a good burger but it does make you feel like a pro.

Cheese: Ok, it's not that fancy to add cheese to a burger but it has to be mentioned because cheese is always special. Go classic with American or cheddar cheese, keep it mild with provolone or swiss, try it smoky with some gouda, or get little spicy with pepper jack.

Add some umami: Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms are both excellent options to incorporate some extra umami flavor into your burgers.

Fresh vegetables: Add some brightness to your burger with some veggies. Try some peppery arugula, a slice of freshly harvested tomato, or top your patty with some jalapeño to heat things up.

Sauce: Try sriracha aioli or switch up the seasonings to make it your own!

Side dish options

I'm not in charge of you, so if you want to eat 4 burgers and no sides, you do you. However, I'll leave these recipe links here, just in case you want a little something something to accompany your burger experience.

• Black bean and grilled corn salad
  
  
• Cilantro lime slaw
  
  
• Baked balsamic broccoli
  
  
• Hot corn chip dip
  
  
  
• Sour cream mashed potatoes

Get your patties grilling, your buns toasting, and take a minute to appreciate all of the evolutionary and technological leaps that made this moment possible. You don't have to "win the lottery" to be thankful.

Keep your belly full, your mind engaged, and your heart open.

Lillian