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Sauerbraten Burgers

Ingredients

For the cabbage:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 1 teaspoon caraway seed

  • 3/4 pound red cabbage, very thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon superfine sugar

  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • Salt and pepper

For the gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 cup beef stock

  • 1/2 cup organic apple cider

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 6 gingersnap cookies, processed into crumbs

For the burgers:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80%-85% lean), at room temperature

  • 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

  • 3 tablespoons grated onion

  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

  • 2 tablespoons spicy mustard

  • Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling

  • 8 slices pumpernickel bread or 4 split sourdough rolls, toasted

  • Salt-and-vinegar potato chips, for serving

Directions

Make the cabbage: In a large skillet, heat the EVOO over medium-high heat. Stir in the caraway seed for 30 seconds. Add the cabbage and season with the sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Partially cover and cook, stirring frequently, until tender. Make the gravy: In a medium size skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the stock, cider and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk in the gingersnap crumbs to thicken. Lower the heat and keep warm. Make the burgers: In a large bowl, combine the beef, parsley, onion, relish and mustard. Form four patties, slightly thinner at the center and thicker at the edges for even cooking. In a large cast iron or other heavy skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook, turning once, for 8 minutes. Transfer the burgers to the gravy and turn over to coat. Place the burgers on the bread or roll bottoms and top with the cabbage and bread or roll tops. Serve with the chips.