The Hamburger (or burger) is one of the many favorite foods worldwide. Extremely popular in the United States, the name of this special sandwich originated from Hamburg, Germany. However, the actual origins of the hamburger are still debated as several accounts of roots are cited, though they are all from the USA.

Hamburgers are really sandwiches made of grilled ground beef (known as patties) placed between two buns and topped with condiments and vegetables. This combination forms a basic hamburger recipe, but with additions such as cheese, mushroom, bacon strips and ham, the basic burger becomes a top contender in fast food. Typically grilled, hamburgers (patties) can also be baked, fried or broiled. The beef used for the hamburger patties are sometimes substituted for turkey, chicken and pork. Trendy fast food chains such as Burger King, White Castle, Wendy’s and McDonald’s are famous for their variations of hamburger recipes with daring flavors and combinations.

There are some unique hamburger recipes that speak to explorative skills of chefs worldwide; from vegetarian specials, exotic variations with oysters, sate and teriyaki, to tropical cuisines of pineapples, lemon juices and sauces, hamburgers have become gourmet. Still many will attest that there is nothing quite satisfying as an old-fashioned homemade hamburger.

Hawaii Da Kine Burgers with Sweet-Chili Glaze, Ginger-Goat Cheese Spread, and Hot Watercress Salad

Ingredients

Ginger-Goat Cheese Spread

• 4 ounces Surfing Goat Dairy Rolling Green goat cheese (made with fresh garlic chives) or other garlic-flavored mild goat cheese

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 1/2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger

Patties

• 3 ounces spicy Hawaiian Portuguese sausage

• 2 pounds ground chuck

• 1/3 cup minced ripe papaya

• 1/3 cup minced Maui or other sweet onion

• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

Sweet-Chili Glaze

• 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

Hot Watercress Salad

• 3 tablespoons macadamia nut oil or peanut oil

• 2 small ripe Hass avocados, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced lengthwise

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 ripe papaya, coarsely chopped

• 5 cups chopped watercress

• 2 small sweet onions, thinly sliced and separated into rings

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• Vegetable oil, for brushing on the grill rack

• 6 high-quality seeded hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, split

Directions

1. Preheat a gas grill to medium-high.

2. Spread- combine the cheese, mayonnaise, and ginger in a small bowl. Cover and set aside.

3. Patties- place the sausage in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and add the chuck, papaya, onion, and spiced salt. Combine well, handling the meat as little as possible. Form into 6 patties and refrigerate until ready to grill.

4. Glaze- combine the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce in a small bowl and set aside.

5. Salad- pour the oil into a fire-proof skillet and heat on the grill until it reaches its smoking point. While the oil is heating, halve the avocado slices and place in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice and toss gently. Layer the papaya, watercress, onions, garlic, and pepper flakes over the avocado and carefully drizzle the hot oil over the top. Add the soy sauce and toss to combine.

6. Brush the grill rack with oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, based often with the glaze until they are done to your desire. During the last few minutes of cooking, place the buns cut sides down on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly.

7. To assemble the burgers, spread the goat cheese spread over the cut sides of the bun tops. Place a patty on each bun bottom and top with equal portions of the salad, add the bun tops.