Mr.W is a hamburger man, and about twice a month I like to oblige, albeit sans bun and with healthy sides! I'm sure he would have preferred macaroni and cheese from the box or potato chips, but he needs more antioxidants in his life. Besides, what kind of wife would I be if I indulged him and ruined his health in the process?
I made these mini-cheeseburgers, which were fantastic with a balsamic-mushroom sauce, side salad and curried sweet potato fries... no buns necessary.
It's not much of a recipe, but I'll give the details:
- Sweet potatoes were washed and peeled, cut into sticks and tossed in a bowl with olive oil, salt, chili powder, curry powder and freshly grated nutmeg, moved to a rack set into a cookie sheet and baked at 350*F for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, hamburger patties were pan-fried until cooked to medium-plus and well-done (Mr.W must have his meat well) and removed to rest.
- Quartered cremini mushrooms (also called baby portabellas) were salted and sauteed in the pan juices until they released their liquid; then I poured about 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar over and let that simmer down until reduced by half. Finished with 2 tablespoons salted butter.
- I tossed together a quick salad of various leftover veggies: napa cabbage, iceburg lettuce, baby spinach, grape tomatoes, red and yellow bell pepper--all dressed with a dash of salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of red wine vinegar.
This was a simple, satisfying meal, perfect for a weekday, even if Mr.W avoided the mushrooms and opted for ketchup and mustard instead.
