Burgers with Mozzarella and Spinach-Rocket Pesto

Ingredients for Burgers with Mozzarella and Spinach-Rocket Pesto

• 230g baby spinach leaves (about 10 cups packed)

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1/2 teaspoons (packed) finely grated lemon peel

• Large pinch of dried crushed red pepper

• 4 cups (packed) fresh rocket leaves, divided (about 140g )

• 3 tablespoons pine nuts

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons (packed) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 800g beef mince (20% fat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper

• 6 hamburger buns, split horizontally

• 6 1/3-inch-thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese

• 2 large beefsteak tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

How to make Burgers with Mozzarella and Spinach-Rocket Pesto

Rinse spinach; drain briefly, then place in large glass bowl. Microwave spinach, uncovered, on high just until wilted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Drain, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Combine garlic, lemon peel, and crushed red pepper in processor; blend until garlic is finely chopped. Add spinach, 2 cups (packed) rocket, pine nuts, and lemon juice; process until coarse puree forms. With machine running, gradually add oil in thin stream and blend until almost smooth. Mix in cheese. Transfer pesto to small bowl; season with salt.

Do ahead: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill.

Combine beef mince, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, and 90ml spinach-rocket pesto in large bowl; mix lightly with fingertips or fork just until incorporated. Form meat mixture into six 3/4-inch-thick patties. Place patties on platter.

Do ahead: Beef patties can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill burgers to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Grill buns, cut side down, just until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Build burgers with pesto, patties, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and rocket. Cover with bun tops.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.