Curry Burger Cups
I went a bit retro on this one – my mom gave us her electric skillet. For decades it has been used to make meals on the counter top. From pancakes to fried chicken we were well fed by the skillet (and mom, of course!). Since it was my mom’s it has of course been well cared for and is in excellent condition. I aspire to care for it as well, especially since I plan on using it a lot.
Compared to a stove top skillet, the electric skillet has a larger cooking surface and there is a bit more control over the temperature. I usually rely on iron skillets on the stove and forgot how fun the non-stick electric versions are! The big, domed top even has a vent to control moisture release. I may be a kitchen nerd, but it is so fun using it!
As for the lovely meal I made, using peanut butter in a burger might sound odd, but combined with the yellow curry spices the flavors were wonderful. Since the burgers aren’t flipped the bottom gets a good sear, which of course always goes well with cheddar cheese. Making the bowl in the burger helps retain the cheese instead of it dripping off the edges of a rounded burger top. Don’t get me wrong, I like the crispy cheese left in the pan when it dribbles off the edges of a cheeseburger, but I also like cheesy burgers that don’t lose any cheese while it melts.
Bites of the burgers with the peppery mix of raw baby kale, mustard greens, spinach and chard really made for a wonderful mouthful.
Curry Burger Cups
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves
2 tablespoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
In a large bowl place all the ingredients except the cheese. With a strong mixer or your hands thoroughly combine the ingredients. Form six patties, creating a bowl in the middle of each, leaving approximately 1/2 inch rim on the edges.
In a large skillet over medium heat (or electric skillet at 325 degrees) place the patties. Fill the bowl of each patty with 1/3 cup cheese. Cover and let cook for about ten minutes, until beef is cooked to desired doneness (medium is 160 degrees).
Serve immediately on top of raw greens or with a cooked side of vegetables.