Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Salt and pepper
A generous handful of sweet basil, shredded or torn
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or ground veal
2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme for chicken or sage for veal
Salt and pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3-4 tablespoons sesame seeds (a handful)
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (a couple of handfuls)
A small handful of flat leaf parsley, very finely chopped
1 ball or bundle of Burata or 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
A couple of generous handfuls of baby arugula
8 slider rolls, such as brioche dinner rolls (softer roll) or ciabatta rolls (super crusty rolls), split
Directions
In a small pot with tight-fitting lid heat the EVOO, a couple of turns of the pot, over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes and cover the pot. Raise the heat a bit and cook the tomatoes, shaking the pot occasionally, until they burst, 8-10 minutes. Mash up the sauce with a wooden spoon and season the tomatoes with salt and pepper. Thicken, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the basil leaves and turn off the heat.
Meanwhile, season the chicken with thyme, salt and pepper or season the veal with sage, salt and pepper. In a separate dish, combine the breadcrumbs with the sesame seeds, cheese and parsley. Form eight small patties 3 inches wide and coat in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing patties into the crumbs to make them stick. Wash your hands after handling the raw meat. Heat a drizzle of EVOO in a large, shallow nonstick skillet or on a nonstick griddle plan over medium to medium-high heat. Cook the patties until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side.
Place a spoonful of soft Burata or ricotta cheese on each bun bottom. Drizzle a touch of EVOO over top of the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Top with a few leaves of arugula, then the patties, then some sauce and bun tops. This is one of many "Yum-o!" recipes – it's good and good for you. To find out more about Yum-o!, Rachael's nonprofit organization, go to www.yum-o.org.