GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGER WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER PESTO

This is a version we came up with after having one of the best portobello burgers ever at a favorite local restaurant. We are very freeform in our cooking; feel free to adjust it as needed to your taste.

Warning: You may need to wear gloves while cleaning the peppers if you are sensitive to pepper oils.

PORTOBELLO BURGER MARINADE

4 large Portobello Mushrooms
1/2 C. Olive Oil
2 cloves of Garlic, crushed
1 t. Basil
1 t. Thyme
1 t. Oregano
1 t. Rosemary
Salt and Pepper to taste

Wash the mushrooms, remove the stems, and place mushrooms and stems in bowl. Stir together olive oil, Italian herbs, and salt and pepper. Brush marinade onto portobellos and stems, reserving any extra marinade for the pesto, and cover tightly. Marinate at room temperature, for at least 1 hour.

ROASTED RED PEPPER PESTO

2 large Red Bell Peppers
2 Jalapeño Peppers
2 T. Olive Oil
Marinated Portobello Mushroom Stems, chopped
2 T. Portobello Burger Marinade

Wash the peppers and place on grill or onto an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet under the broiler. Turn every 5 minutes or so, until peppers are tender and the skins are blackened. Place peppers in a paper sack and close tightly; allow to sit for 5 or 10 minutes. Peel the skins using a knife blade and clean the peppers, removing the seeds. Place the peppers, mushrooms stems, and marinade into a food processor. Season with additional herbs and garlic to taste. As you puree the mixture, add olive oil to ensure a nice, spreadable consistency.

FINAL PREPARATION & ASSEMBLY

4 Hamburger Buns
4 slices Cheese, we recommend Swiss
Lettuce
Tomato Slices
Hummus or Mayonnaise

Place portobellos on grill or a foil-lined baking sheet under the broiler. Turn after 4 or 5 minutes (when juices start flowing and mushrooms are starting to get tender). Grill or broil another 4 or 5 minutes. Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking. Garnish with roasted red pepper pesto, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise or hummus if desired.

This dish is great served with grilled asparagus.

Enjoy!
Grilled Portobello Burger with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto.pdf