TAPENADE-FILLED BURGERS

Tapenade-Filled Burgers image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/4 pound lean ground beef chuck
9 tablespoons black or green olive tapenade (sometimes labeled "olive paste")
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 grilled or toasted hamburger buns or kaiser rolls
Accompaniments: mayonnaise; coarse-grain mustard; thinly sliced red onion; thinly sliced sweet gherkin pickles; about 2 cups baby romaine lettuce

Steps:

Divide beef into 6 portions. Divide 1 portion in half, then flatten 1 half into a 4-inch patty and form a 1/4-inch rim around patty. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of tapenade onto patty within rim. Flatten remaining half into a 4-inch patty, then lay on top of tapenade-covered half and pinch edges together to seal. Pat side to form a straight-sided edge and transfer to a large tray. Make 5 more tapenade patties in same manner and transfer to tray, then refrigerate patties, covered, until ready to grill.
Prepare grill for cooking over direct heat with medium-hot charcoal (moderately high heat for gas); see "Grilling Procedure< >."
Sprinkle patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly oil grill rack, then grill patties (covered only if using a gas grill), turning over once, 3 minutes total for medium-rare. (Burgers will continue to cook slightly after being removed from grill.)
Spread mayonnaise and mustard on buns, then assemble burgers with onion, pickles, and romaine.