Southwest Pesto Burgers

Southwest Pesto Burgers

Cilantro Pesto
1 large clove garlic
4 ounces fresh cilantro stems removed and rinsed
1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced jalapeño pepper
or 1 tablespoon bottled sliced jalapeño pepper, drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Burgers
1 1/4 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cilantro pesto divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 slices pepper jack cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 kaiser rolls split
1 ripe avocado sliced
salsa

For pesto, with motor running, drop garlic through feed tube of food processor; process until minced. Add cilantro, jalapeño pepper and salt; process until cilantro is chopped. With motor running, slowly all oil through feed tube; process until thick paste forms. Transfer to container with tight fitting lid.

Prepare barbecue grill for direct cooking. Combine beef, 1/4 cup pesto and salt in large bowl, mix well.
Form into 4 patties. Place patties on grid over medium hot coals.

Grill, uncovered, 4 to 5 minutes per side or until meat is no longer pink in center. Add cheese to
patties during last 1 minute of grilling. While patties are cooking, combine the mayonnaise and remaining 1 tablespoon pesto in small bowl; mix well.

Top patties with mayonnaise mixture. Serve on rolls with avocado and salsa.
Makes 4 servings