Portobello Mushroom, Balsamic Onion and Goat’s Cheese Burgers

, from Issue #64. January, 2016
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Portobello Mushroom, Balsamic Onion and Goat’s Cheese Burgers

Vegetable burgers can pack a flavour punch with just a few great ingredients. I’ve used wilted spinach in place of lettuce, which works beautifully with the goat’s cheese and meaty mushrooms. 

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

8 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
2 large red onions, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
400 grams spinach leaves, washed
olive oil
sea salt and ground pepper
To assemble
4 burger buns, toasted and buttered (I used brioche buns)
mayonnaise, for spreading 
100 grams soft goat’s cheese 

METHOD

Heat a sauté pan or barbecue until hot. Brush the mushrooms with oil and season both sides. Cook until tender then set aside, covered to keep warm. 

Add a little oil to the sauté pan and cook the onion and garlic with a good pinch of salt until soft. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 minute then transfer the onions to a plate. 

Add the damp spinach leaves to the same hot pan and cook, turning with tongs, until just wilted. 

To assemble: Spread the buns with mayonnaise and top with a pile of spinach, then the mushrooms. Crumble over the goat’s cheese and add a stack of balsamic onions. Replace the tops and serve immediately.