Pepper burger with mushroom merlot gravy recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 tbsp black pepper (coarse)
• 3 tbsp oil
• 4 cups sliced mushrooms (assorted)
• 3 tbsp shallots (finely sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp flour
• ½ cup dry red wine
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tsp freshly snipped thyme
• 2 tbsp brandy/cognac
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• salt and pepper
• 3 cups arugula (Rocket) or watercress
• 6 hamburger buns (cut open and toasted)
• ½ cup blue cheese (crumbled)

1. Shape the meat into 6 burger patties (¾” thick). Season one side of the patty with black pepper (preferably the coarse one), press it into the meat a little. Cover and slip them into the refrigerator for half an hour (This can be done overnight).
2. Heat your charcoal/gas grill to a medium heat while the gravy is being prepared.
3. In a pan, pour a very small portion of oil and heat over medium-high heat and cook the mushrooms (4 mins.), until golden, without stirring. Add the shallots and garlic and stirfry for an additional 3 mins. Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir to coat mushrooms. Stir briskly to prevent burning.
4. Now add the wine and stir thoroughly to get everything incorporated. Allow the wine to boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer until most but not all the liquid is gone, roughly 4 mins.
5. Gently pour in the broth, add thyme, increase the heat and allow pot to boil again. Reduce the heat once you have reached this point and simmer for 2-3 mins., until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat for a moment and add Cognac and butter carefully.
6. Return pan to the heat and gently stir until the butter is melted. Add seasoning to taste and keep warm. You will use it shortly.
7. Season the patties with salt. Place them on a greased rack and grill directly over heat, covered. Grill for roughly 16-18 mins. (internal temperature should be 160–165°F when ready).
8. Spread the arugula on the bottom buns. Top with patties and mushroom gravy. Sprinkle the blue cheese and perch the tops on top of this tasty treat. Enjoy!