Chipotles, ripened and smoked jalapeño peppers, are readily available at grocery and specialty shops and add a wonderful smoky spicy element that I love. Keep a few cans in your pantry.

Chipotle and Scallion Burgers

Author: Sally Sampson
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 20 mins
Serves: 4 Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds ground chuck
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced scallions, both white and green parts
• 1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lime, quartered

Instructions

1. Place the beef, garlic, scallions and chipotle in a large bowl and, using your hands, mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Place the mixture on a work surface and divide into 4 balls of equal size. Form each into a patty about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, tossing it back and forth between your hands. To ensure more even cooking, make a 1/2-inch indentation with your thumb in the center of the burger. Handle the patties as little as possible; do not work more than necessary.
3. Prepare the grill to medium-high. When the coals are glowing red, after 15-20 minutes, cover with the grate.
4. After 5 minutes, use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the grate. Brush the grate with oil.
5. When the coals are covered with pale gray ash and you can leave your hand 5 inches above the fire for 2 to 3 second, the coals are ready.
6. Sprinkle both sides of the burgers with salt and pepper.
7. Place the burgers on the grate and grill until well seared on both sides, about 5 minutes for medium rare or 6 minutes for medium.
8. Transfer to buns or a serving platter and serve immediately with lime quarters.
9. ALTERNATIVELY, place a cast iron skillet over high heat and when it is hot but not smoking add the burgers to the dry pan.
10. Cook until well seared on both sides, 8 to10 minutes for medium rare or 10-12 minutes for medium.