Blueberry Bacon Blue Cheese Burger au Poivre

Step 1

Divide the beef into 6 loosely packed 1/2-inch-thick patties about 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Set aside.

Step 2

Combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. In the meantime, stir together the cornstarch and water in a medium bowl. When the blueberry mixture comes to a boil, slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the blueberry mixture slightly thickens to the consistency of pancake syrup. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Step 3

Place the coarse pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the burger patties liberally with salt and place one by one in the coarse pepper to coat generously, pushing firmly on each side.

Step 4

Cook the burgers in a hot cast-iron pan with a little oil to get them started. Cook 4 minutes on one side, and then flip and cook 3 minutes on the other side to medium-rare. Remove to a warm plate covered with foil to rest while cooking the remaining burgers.

Step 5

Meanwhile, cut and toast the buns cut-side down in a separate pan with a touch of oil for extra crunch. Spread the toasted buns liberally with the basil aioli. Place a burger on the bottom bun, followed by some blue cheese, a few spoonfuls of blueberry sauce, 2 slices bacon, a slice of red onion and a big pinch of arugula. Repeat with the remaining burgers.

Step 6

Blend the basil, lemon juice, garlic and oil to make a smooth puree in a blender. Mix it with your favorite mayonnaise (2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part basil puree).