Pressed Cuban-Style Hamburgers

[GardeManager]

Pressed Cuban-Style Hamburgers

Courtesy of: Central Market
6 servings


2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup prepared mustard (yellow, Dijon or deli)
12 thin slices Swiss cheese
6 thin slices smoked ham (like Pannonia)
dill pickle slices
6 hamburger buns

Prepare a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into 6 equal portions and form patties about 1/2-inch thick. Place the patties on the hot grill, and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You should remove them from the grill when they are cooked to a medium degree of doneness.

Spread butter on the top half of the burger bun and the mustard of your choice on the bottom half. Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of the bun, then top it with a hamburger patty. Place a slice of ham on the patty, followed by another slice of cheese and several pickle slices. Top with the buttered bun. Repeat with the remaining 5 burgers.

Wrap each piece of the assembled burgers with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Take the burgers back out to the grill, and using a heavy pan (cast iron) or bricks, weigh down the burgers to melt the cheese and toast the buns. Turn the burgers after 2 minutes, replace the weight and cook for another 2 minutes.

Unwrap the pressed Cuban-style hamburgers and serve immediately.