Veal Pesto Burgers

Italian-inspired, these burgers are bursting with fresh flavours. 

Recipe Tags:

Grilling Time: 20 minutes

Preparation Time:

Serves: 6

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh Ontario Basil Leaves 
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) grated Parmesan cheese      
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil 
  • 1 clove Ontario Garlic, chopped
  • 1-1/2 lb (750 g) lean Ontario Ground Veal 
  • 1 Ontario Egg, lightly beaten 
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 
  • Pinch pepper
  • 1 large Ontario Onion, sliced
  • 1 large Ontario Sweet Greenhouse or Field Yellow Pepper, sliced into strips 
  • 1 200 g container Ontario Bocconcini Cheese, drained and sliced
  • 1 Ciabatta baguette, cut into 6 pieces and sliced in half lengthwise
  • 3/4 cup (175 mL) tomato sauce 
  • 30 fresh Ontario Basil Leaves     

Instructions

In food processor, combine basil, cheese, 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil and garlic; process until almost smooth. In large bowl, combine veal, egg, breadcrumbs, basil pesto, salt and pepper. Shape into 6 burgers.

In medium bowl, toss onion, yellow pepper and remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) of oil. Place in grilling basket; grill, covered over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
 
Place burgers on greased grill over medium-high heat. Grill, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until no longer pink inside and thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each burger reads 160°F (71°C). Top with cheese; grill to melt.

Toast baguette cut side down on grill. Spread each baguette bottom with tomato sauce. Top with burger, grilled peppers and onion, basil and baguette top.

Nutritional information

1 Burger

  • PROTEIN: 29 grams         
  • FAT: 19 grams         
  • CARBOHYDRATE: 37 grams     
  • CALORIES: 440         
  • FIBRE: 2 grams     
  • SODIUM: 820 mg