Pesto Burger

1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
2 tbsp parmesan, grated
Black pepper to taste
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 lbs ground beef
1/4 cup parmesan, grated
3/4 cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten

6 – 7 slices mozzarella
Lettuce for topping
2 tomatoes, sliced
1/4 red onion, sliced
6 – 7 kaiser buns, sliced

In a food processor combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, parmesan, fresh ground black pepper and olive oil. Blend all the ingredients until there are no more chunks.

In a large bowl combine the pesto, ground beef, parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and egg. Mix it just until all the ingredients are combined. Divide the mixture into 6 – 7 even balls depending on how big you want your patties. Between your palms squish each ball into a round disc then sandwich them between sheets of wax paper.

Grill the patties on a BBQ or grill on high heat about 3 – 5 minutes on each side. During the last few minutes of grilling top each with the slices of mozzarella. Transfer them to the sliced kaiser buns and top with the lettuce, tomato and onion. Enjoy!