Due Animale Delizioso Burgers

Pairs well with:

Zinfandel

Bright and full-bodied, this Zinfandel wine is a curious contradiction in tastes.

Ingredients

2-pounds ground beef 85%
1/2-pound ground Italian sausage
1-cup red onion, diced
2-cloves garlic crushed and minced
2-tablespoons fresh basil minced
1/4-cup kalamata olives minced
1-cup Italian bread crumbs
2-tablespoons fresh oregano minced
2-teaspoons salt
2-teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
2-tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1-cup marinara sauce
12- squares mozzarella cheese
30-slices pepperoni
1-bunch Spinach leaves
2-12’ loaves Italian bread

 

Instructions

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high. To make the patties, combine the Beef, Italian Sausage, onion, garlic, basil, olives, bread crumbs and oregano in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and flatten into 6 squares. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with Oil. Place the patties on the grill rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium. Meanwhile, split bread lenthways and then cut into 4 “ pieces. During the last few minutes of cooking, place the bread, cut side down, on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly. Remove patties from grill and immediately top with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese. To assemble the burgers, spread marinara sauce over the cut sides of the bread. On each bread bottom, place a cheese covered patty, top with 5 slices pepperoni and several spinach leaves. Add the bread tops and serve.