CAPRESE POLENTA BURGER (SMALL PLATES, BIG TASTE)

Caprese Polenta Burger (Small Plates, Big Taste) image

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
One 16- to 18-ounce package refrigerated prepared polenta, cut into 8 slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 8-ounce package fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
2 medium tomatoes, cut into 4 slices each
Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

Steps:

Preheat charcoal grill to medium heat.
Bring vinegar to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 9 to 10 minutes or until reduced to 1/3 cup. Set aside.
Meanwhile lightly shape ground beef into eight 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Brush polenta slices with oil. Place patties in center of grill over medium, ash-covered coals and arrange the polenta around the patties. Grill patties and polenta, uncovered, 11 to 12 minutes or until patties are medium (160 degrees F) doneness, not pink in center and juices show no pink color and polenta is heated through, turning once and basting patties with 2 tablespoons reduced vinegar after turning. Season burgers with salt and pepper, to taste.
For each serving, layer 1 each polenta slice, burger, mozzarella slice and tomato slice.
Drizzle with remaining vinegar and sprinkle with basil, as desired.