Super Tuscan Burgers And Potato Salad With Capers And Celery Recipes

TUSCAN-STYLE BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat. Place a large heatproof skillet on the grill (alternatively, you can use a stovetop over medium heat). Place 4 cazuelas on the grill for a few minutes.
• For the mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in the large heatproof skillet until it begins to shimmer. Add the mushrooms and some salt and pepper and cook, stirring just a few times, until they release their liquid and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• For the burgers: Combine the ground beef and pork together in a large bowl, being careful not to overmix. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Shape each portion with your hands into a round patty, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Use your thumb to make a divot in the center of each burger. Sprinkle both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
• Add enough olive oil to each cazuela to thinly coat the bottom and sides. Carefully place each patty, divot-side up, inside each cazuela. Combine the fennel, paprika and some salt and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle over top of each burger. Grill, covered, until charred and completely cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• While the burgers cook, toast the buns on the grill until lightly charred, 10 to 15 seconds. Set aside.
• Add the cheese to the tops of the burgers. Cover the burgers with the grill lid, large domed lid or large metal bowl and count to 10 until the cheese is melted.
• Top each burger with a large spoonful of the mushrooms. Place the burgers on the bottom buns. Top with the ketchup, oregano and top buns and serve immediately.

POTATO SALAD WITH CAPERS AND ANCHOVIES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook at a brisk simmer until the potatoes are firm but easily pierced with a skewer, about 20 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
• While the potatoes are cooking, make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, put the red onion, vinegar and a healthy pinch of salt. Stir together, then let sit for 10 minutes, so onion softens and pickles slightly. Add the garlic, anchovy, capers and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skins with a paring knife. Carefully slice 1/4-inch thick, or slightly thicker. Put the slices in a wide, low bowl and season lightly with salt. Pour the vinaigrette over. Using your hands, gently coat the potato slices with the vinaigrette, taking care not to break them. Set aside at room temperature to let the salad absorb the dressing.
• Just before serving, add thyme leaves and parsley and gently toss the potato slices again. (Some of the vinaigrette will have settled to the bottom of the bowl.) Garnish with halved or quartered hard-cooked egg and arugula leaves, if using.

TUSCAN BURGERS

Steps:

• Place the beef, pancetta and 2 tablespoons of pesto in a processor; season with salt and pepper; pulse until just combined (do not over-process); form the mixture into 4 patties and chill while you cook the vegetables.
• Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/gas mark 3; heat a chargrill pan or cr barbecue over a medium heat; toss the onion in a little oil and grill for 1 minute on each side or until just cooked; place the onion in the oven to keep it warm; brush the tomatoes with a little oil and season them with salt and pepper , to taste; then grill the tomatoes for one minute on each side; place the tomatoes in the oven to keep them warm; mix the remaining pesto with the mayonnaise.
• Brush both sides of the patties with oil; cook the patties on the chargrill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through; top the patties with bocconcini and place them in the oven for 1 minutes or until the cheese melts.
• Spread the bread-roll bases with some of the mayonnaise mixture; top with rocket, patties, onion and tomato; drizzle with the remaining mayonnaise mixture and top with the remaining bread-roll halves.

TUSCAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
• In large bowl, mix pasta, salami, bell pepper and onion.
• In small bowl, mix vinegar, garlic and pepper. Add oil; beat with whisk until blended. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to combine. Cover; refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled.
• Just before serving, add romaine and toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese.