GOAT CHEESE-STUFFED HAMBURGERS WITH TWO-OLIVE SPREAD

Goat Cheese-Stuffed Hamburgers with Two-Olive Spread image

Provided by Food Network

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds ground sirloin
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
3 ounces fresh goat cheese
6 kaiser rolls, split and lightly toasted
3/4 cup Two-Olive Spread (recipe follows)
6 leaves lettuce such as romaine or red-leaf
6 slices beefsteak tomato
20 kalamata olives, pitted, rinsed, and drained
20 green olives, pitted, rinsed, and drained
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 peeled red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, and drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Steps:

In a bowl, combine the ground sirloin and basil and mix well. Shape into 6 thick patties. Make a pocket in the center of each patty, fill each pocket with 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese, and cover with the meat. Press into patties 3/4 inch thick. Heat grill pan or saute pan over medium-high heat. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and add the burgers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook 4 to 6 minutes on the second side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. To serve, place the burgers on the toasted bun halves and top each burger with 2 tablespoons of the olive spread. Top with lettuce and tomato and finish with the top of the bun.
In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the olives, chopped pepper, capers, parsley, and cayenne pepper and process until coarsely chopped. Then use on-off pulses while slowly adding the olive oil until it is absorbed. Taste for seasoning. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Can be prepared up to 1 week ahead, covered, and refrigerated.