Easy-to-Make, Merlot-Friendly Burgers for Grilling Season

If grilling season has not yet arrived where you live… it will soon.

For a different take on traditional grilled burgers, try this recipe. It yields four quarter-pound burgers, which can be cut in half to serve more people, if you wish.

The recipe calls for a small amount of Merlot, so use the rest of the bottle to sip and enjoy with the burgers.

WILD MUSHROOM BURGERS

Ingredients

• 4 artisan hamburger buns
• 4 quarter-pound hamburger patties
• 4 slices red onion
• 4 slices young Gouda cheese
• 1 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
• 1 Tbsp. chopped shallots
• 1 lb. wild mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup Merlot
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare sautéed wild mushrooms (see instructions below).
2. Preheat grill to medium heat.
3. Season and grill the burgers, placing a slice of Gouda cheese on each just before removing from the grill.
4. Assemble the burgers by placing on each bottom bun, in order, a grilled burger patty, sautéed wild mushrooms, red onion and the top bun.

Sautéed Wild Mushrooms Preparation

1. Heat a large pan over high heat, and add the canola oil.
2. Add garlic and shallots, and cook until they become transparent.
3. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pan with the Merlot, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let simmer until most of the liquid has cooked away.