Every time I develop something Sicilian inspired “The Godfather” theme rings incessantly in my mind and memories of my Sicilian father weigh heavily into the equation as well 🙂 Grazia, Daddy!

Obviously, this burger is an indulgence rather than every day fare, but as they say “variety is the spice of life.” And today I would like to offer just that.  It combines all of the flavors of Old World Sicily: fresh mozzarella, smoky provolone, sweet Roma tomatoes, crisp, peppery basil and slightly spicy and salty Genoa salami lead the pack, but the simple secret sauce really packs the punch.  The combinations of tastes in this decadent, juicy and flavorful burger are explosive! This is my idea of getting grilled by a Sicilian! 🙂 Bah da Bing!

On a side note: We achieved 1000 likes on our Facebook page!! I’d like to thank my amazing team at “Once Upon a Spice” for helping get us there and I wish a 1000 dreams come true to all of our friends and followers—after all, “you” are the reason for my season. God Bless each and every one of you!!

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean ground beef or turkey

1/4 cup finely minced onions

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

6 hamburger or ciabatta buns, split: toast if desired

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1 large onion & 8 ounces of sliced baby portabellas sautéed in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until slightly golden

6 slices fresh mozzarella

6 slices provolone

12 slices Genoa salami

2-3 Roma tomatoes, sliced

Sicilian Style Sauce:

1/2 cup mayo, 1/3 cup pasta sauce, 1/4 teaspoon tsp Italian herbs and 1/4 cup of grated or shredded Parmesan. Mix until combined and refrigerate until ready to assemble burger.

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil and salt & pepper to taste. Mix well, and form into 6 patties.

Grill patties on BBQ; 7 minutes on each side or until spongy in the middle.

Place slices of cheese on top of each patty, cover grill and grill until cheese melts.

Spread mayo equally on bottom of each bun, place 2 slices of salami on each. Top equally with sliced tomatoes, basil leaves and burger. Top with sautéed veggies. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and fresh cracked pepper and top of bun. Serve while hot! This is one tasty Sicilian!