Grilled Portobello Burgers With Piquillo Pepper Aïoli And Watercress Recipes

GRILLED PORTOBELLO BURGERS WITH PIQUILLO PEPPER AïOLI AND WATERCRESS

Steps:

• For aioli:
• Puree first 4 ingredients in mini processor. Transfer to small bowl. Whisk in mayonnaise; season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover; chill.
• For mushrooms:
• Arrange mushroom caps and onion slices on baking sheet; brush both sides with oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Turn mushrooms, gill side up, and sprinkle with garlic. Let stand at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place mushrooms, gill side up, and onion slices on rack. Cook until grill marks appear, about 4 minutes. Turn vegetables over, transferring to cooler part of grill. Cover and cook until mushrooms are very tender and onion slices still retain some texture, about 8 minutes. Turn mushrooms, gill side up; top with cheese. Arrange rolls, cut side down, on grill. Cover; cook until cheese on mushrooms melts and cut sides of rolls are golden, about 1 minute longer.
• Arrange roll bottoms on plates; spread with aioli. Top each with mushroom, onion slice, and watercress. Spread cut side of roll tops with aioli; press onto watercress.

GRILLED PORTOBELLO BURGERS

Steps:

• Brush mushrooms with 4 tablespoons vinaigrette. Grill mushrooms and onion, covered, over medium heat 3-4 minutes on each side or until tender. Top mushrooms with red peppers, onion and cheese. Grill, covered, 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Grill rolls, cut side down, 1-2 minutes or until toasted., Spread roll bottoms with mayonnaise and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Top with mushrooms; replace roll tops.

THE ULTIMATE GRILLED PORTOBELLO BURGER

Steps:

• Add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to a small blender and blend well until smooth. Wash and pat dry the portobello caps and transfer them to a sealable container (or zip-lock bag) along with the balsamic marinade. Allow the mushrooms to marinate at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
• Heat the grill to medium and brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place the portobello mushrooms and the eggplant on the hot grill and cover. Cook until grill marks appear, about 2 to 3 minutes for the eggplant and about 5 to 7 minutes for the mushrooms. Flip and continue cooking until vegetables are juicy, tender, and cooked through, about another 2 to 3 minutes for the eggplant and 5 to 7 minutes for the mushrooms. Transfer vegetables to a plate.
• Toast two buns with havarti cheese (or your choice) and layer with a grilled portobello mushroom, a few slices of eggplant, roasted red bell pepper, red onion, and arugula. Drizzle on desired amount of pesto sauce and serve.