Cheeseburgers with Black Garlic Aioli and Caramelized Onions

Black Garlic is gummy, rich, sweet, fermented garlic. It brings a unique umami flavor that won't feel familiar on your palette unless you've had it before. To cut through the richness, I finished this black garlic aioli with balsamic vinegar. This makes a beautiful burger sauce that compliments our caramelized onions, made with the best steak rub - SKORDO Steak Seasoning. I encourage you to experiment with these bulbs, the possibilities are endless, burgers are a safe place to start.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the sauce:

• 4 cloves black garlic
• 1 clove fresh garlic
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 shallot
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the burgers:

• 1 yellow onion
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon SKORDO Steak Seasoning
• 1/4 pound sliced cheese. I used an aged cheddar, but swiss or provolone would be delicious here.
• 4 soft burger buns
• 1 cup arugula

Directions:

1. In a food processor, or with a stick blender, add all garlic cloves, mayonnaise, vinegar, and shallot and puree until smooth. Stir through dill, salt and pepper, then cover + chill while you prepare the burgers.

1. Preheat a sauté pan or cast iron over medium high heat for your caramelized onions.
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil and onions. Cook low + slow for 10-15 minutes or until lightly caramelized. Deglaze with balsamic vinegar and remove from pan.
3. Divide your ground beef into 4 portions. Roll and press into 4 patties. Liberally sprinkle both sides of each with SKORDO Steak Seasoning and allow to come to room temp.
4. Using a toaster or a broiler, toast your buns and set aside.
5. Fire up the grill if you have it, or heat your sauté pan or cast iron over medium high heat. Let it preheat for 5 minutes or until smoking.
6. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then press each patty evenly into the pan. You can press here to form the crust, but don't press again once it starts cooking.
7. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, then lay cheese on each patty, cover and remove from heat.
8. Layer your burgers and enjoy! Any leftover aioli is perfect for dipping fries.

• Toasted bottom bun
• Light spread of sauce
• Lettuce
• Burger
• Onions
• Spoonful of sauce
• Toasted top bun