Zaremba Burger Recipe

1. Form & Season Patty

Shape the ground beef into a 1/3 lb (about 150 g) patty roughly 3/4" (2 cm) thick, making a slight dimple in the center to reduce bulging. Season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

2. Cook Patty

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a light smear of oil if needed. Place the patty in the pan and cook 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium (adjust 1-2 minutes for desired doneness). During the last 1 minute of cooking, place the Swiss cheese slice on the patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.

3. Cook Bacon & Toast Bun

If bacon not already cooked, fry strips in a separate pan until crisp (about 6-8 minutes), drain on paper towels. Butter the cut sides of the bun and toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Assemble the burger: spread 1-2 tablespoons of the Gorgonzola Herb Dressing on the bottom bun (see dressing section). Place lettuce if using, then the Swiss-topped patty, bacon strips, 2 tomato slices, and a generous spoonful (about 2 tbsp) of the Green Olive & Shallot Relish. Top with pickles if desired and the top bun. Serve immediately.

5. Combine 1/4 cup chopped green olives, 1 finely minced shallot, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp chopped capers, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/8 tsp black pepper and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep chilled if preparing more than 30 minutes ahead.

6. In a small bowl, mash together 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola, 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt until mostly smooth. Stir in 1 tsp chopped chives, 1 tsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp milk to loosen the consistency, 1/8 tsp black pepper and a pinch (1/16 tsp) of salt. Adjust thickness with additional milk 1/4 tsp at a time if needed. Chill briefly if not using immediately.

7. If using optional lettuce and pickles, layer them as desired during assembly. Serve the Zaremba Burger hot with extra Gorgonzola Herb Dressing on the side for dipping.