The AWARD WINNING Chili-less Chili Burger

Back in the day when we were younger and going to school in Reno we would have cook-offs with our friends. That is how this delicious burger was created and how it became “AWARD WINNING.” So award winning really means I beat a few friends in the back yard...but it is a pretty good burger anyway. After facing the most worthy of adversaries, the Chili-less Chili Burger continues to satisfy appetites from the West Coast all the way to the Midwest 7 years later.

The Cast of Characters:

-1 tsp Tapatio

-1/2 tsp ground coriander seed

-1/4 tsp onion powder

-1/2 tsp garlic powder

-2 tsp cumin seed

-1Tbsp+1 tsp of ground cumin

-1Tbsp chili powder

-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

-Coarse black pepper

-Sea salt

-1Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

-Homeade salsa and guacamole (see previous recipes August 2012)

-Mayonnaise to taste

-Sliced onion

-Lettuce (baby greens work well)

-American cheese (optional)

-1lb of beef  85/15

-1 package of hamburger buns

Since everyone else was late they didn't
get to be in the picture!

1. Combine Tapatio, ground coriander seed, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin seed, ground cumin, chili powder, Worcestershire and cayenne pepper with ground beef. Combine with hands until evenly distributed.

Work it...

 

2. Form the patties; the thickness will determine the amount of people you can feed, along with cook time and everything else that is important within this recipe. We usually form patties that are about 1/2 in thick and very wide because they do shrink-up during grilling. 

3. To toast or not to toast your bun, that is the questions…it’s really up to you. The AWARD WINNING recipe toasts their buns FYI. If you would like to toast your bun on the grill brush lightly with olive oil beforehand for that extra bit of crunch. 

4. Pre-heat the grill to 375 degrees, while the grill is pre-heating, cover the patties with sea salt and coarse ground pepper and pat into the meat, seriously cover it; this locks in the juice.

5.  Throw em’ on the grill. Once the patties are close to being done, about 3 minutes each side for medium (depending on whether you like it rare, medium or well) that is the time to add the cheese.

6. Now it’s time to build a burger…an AWARD WINNING burger mind you. Therefore how we do it includes putting mayonnaise on the bottom bun, burger, guacamole, onion, lettuce and the homemade salsa. Enjoy…if you want to stray, that is your decision but remember one thing, it will not be an AWARD WINNING BurgerJ 

Music pick,  Lykke Li. Drink pick, St. Lupulin EPA, Odell Brewing Co.