It’s Sunday morning, and that can only mean one thing: last night, I made and ate a hamburger. Specifically, a burger featured on the hit series Bob’s Burgers.
Video Killed the Radicchio Star [S7:E4 “They Serve Horses, Don’t They?”]
About the Episode
When Tina injures her ankle, she telecommutes to school under the RUMP program. With a name like that, how could she say no? Robot Tina makes a breakthrough with Jimmy Jr., and it couldn’t come at a better time: the beach party is just around the corner!
Of course, Louise and Gene just can’t let sleeping robots charge . . .
About the Burger
I’d never heard of radicchio before. In fact, I was somewhat surprised I could find it at my local grocer, though the clerk had a difficult time ringing it up. Radicchio is also called Italian chicory and resembles a small cabbage. After browsing the internet, I settled on this simple recipe for sautéing radicchio:
- 2 heads radicchio
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- coarse salt
- black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for which I substituted my usual 50/50 mix of lemon juice and pomegranate molasses)
To Cook the Radicchio
Core the radicchio and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Rinse the pieces and shake gently, leaving some water on the leaves.
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the radicchio, salt, and pepper and cook for about three minutes.
Add the honey and vinegar mixture and cook an additional minute.
Remove from heat.
The burger would have to be outstanding. I looked online for flavor pairings with radicchio and found a wonderful recipe for an espresso rub!
- 3 tablespoons instant espresso
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
To Make the Rub
Mix all ingredients together.
This recipe is meant for three pounds of meat; as I only used a little over one pound, I had more than enough.
I thought a creamy cheese would go well with this burger, so I made use of those wedges of Dubliner cheese I’d bought a week or so ago.
I formed four burgers and applied the rub somewhat generously. I also seasoned the burgers with salt and pepper.
While the burgers cooked I sautéed the radicchio.
I cooked the burgers as usual, using a burger press when I first put the burgers down and tenting with foil after flipping (six minutes each side). I also put the cheese wedges on a little early, adding them for the last two minutes.
To Build the Burger
- Bottom Bun
- Radicchio
- Burger, spreading the cheese if necessary
- Top Bun
The Response
I was nervous about this burger.
Krystal took a bite, and held up a finger. Then she took another bite. And another. Finally, she set her burger down and said “I don’t know what to think about this burger, but I think you’ve nailed it.” Huzzah!
I liked the burger, especially the way the flavors all melted together.
We gave this burger
5 Stars
Come back next week when we’ll try a new, as-yet-to-be-determined burger!
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Our featured image comes from Andrew Heath. Check out his website and – if it’s your thing – buy some of his art. He’s also releasing a game this December: Burger Battle! I’m not on commission or anything, just doing my part to support a great and talented fan artist.
Running In My Head 