Niman Ranch Sliders

5 people

DINNER

Ina Garten How Easy Is That? (p. 141)

Ingredients

Niman Ranch beef - 2 lbs (80% lean 20% fat)

Garlic - 3 cloves (1 tbl)

Thyme - 2 sprigs (1 tsp)

Tomates - 3 small

Baby arugula - 4 oz

Gruyere cheese - 6 oz

Dijon mustard - 1 tbl

Mini brioche, onion or hamburger buns - 12

Prep

Garlic - mince

Thyme - chop

Cheese - grate

Tomatoes - slice

Instructions

Prepare a grill with hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat.

Place the ground beef in a bowl, add 3 tbl olive oil, mustard, garlic, thyme, 1 tsp salt and 12 tsp pepper and mix gently with a fork, taking care not to compress the ingredients. Divide the mixture into quarters and shape each quarter in 3 patties (12 sliders, total).

When the grill is hot, place the burgers on the grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side. Top each burger with some grated Gruyere for the last 2 minutes and close the lid to melt the cheese. Transfer the burgers to a platter, cover tightly with alumninum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Toast the buns cut side down on the grill for 15 seconds. Place each burger on top of a bun and top with a slice of tomato and some arugula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cover with the top bun. Serve hot with ketchup and condiments.