Ancho Seasoned Burgers

My friend Anna, from freshman year of college, came to visit this past weekend. I decided to make her Red Chile Rice with Sweet and Spicy Ancho Seasoning Paste. I had some left over ancho seasoning paste and decided to try it mixed in with ground beef to make hamburger patties instead of just making myself more rice like the last time I made it.

The burgers turned out very moist, with just a hint of spice and chile flavor. This is the kind of burger that a guest or friend will ask, "What is in this burger?". It also turns them red, making it harder to tell when they are done by sight. I served them on tiger rolls (rawr!) with grilled onions, avocado and homemade queso fresco. A delicious way to use up leftover ancho seasoning paste!

xo

April

Serves 4-5, depending on how big/small you make your burgers
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1-2 tablespoons ancho seasoning paste (roughly a teaspoon per 6 ounce burger)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl combine the ground beef and ancho seasoning paste, mix it just enough to combine.
2. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Loosely form each portion into a 3/4 inch patty with a deep depression in the center (this helps them to not bulge in the center when cooked). 
3. Heat a gas grill to high heat. Placing the burgers on the grill and cooking on each side for about 4 minutes or to desired doneness. Serve and enjoy immediately!