And while millions of families around the country will be charbroiling American traditions like hot dogs and hamburgers, perhaps as the grillmaster (or grillmistress) for the day you are ready to hear a mouthful of words say “oh my gosh, that’s the best burger I’ve ever had!”
For years the Gallucci family has been known for serving excellent meats and dishes from their store on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. So when Frank Gallucci III decides to fire up his grill and craft a hamburger, here’s a championship party pleaser.
The recipe below is good for about 16 burgers, with a total food cost of approximately $60, making each burger run about $4 each, and worth every penny.
Prep time:
SHOPPING LIST:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 8 oz sliced Prosciutto (not cubed)
- 8 oz of mozzarella (in water is the best kind)
- 6 eggs
- 1 bunch of Arugula
- 16 Brioche buns (May only be available at larger, upscale markets or at a bakery)
- Hungarian paprika (preferred but regular is fine)
- Garlic salt
- Ancho chili powder
- Chipotle chili powder
- 2 lemons
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
Step 1
- 2 pounds beef
- 2 pounds pork
- Salt (to taste)
- Hungarian paprika – ½ tablespoon
- Garlic salt – ½ tablespoon
- Ancho chili powder – ½ tablespoon
- Chipotle chili powder – ½ tablespoon
Great Grilling Guidance: Forming the patty loosely and not pressing it into a firm patty, you can allow the meat to cook more evenly and enhance the flavor of the burger.
Again, this should yield about 8 loose patties which can be placed on a cool plate or cutting board and set aside until ready to grill.
Make up a lemon/basil aioli by putting four (4) egg yolks in a blender, and drizzle in olive oil as it blends, as well as some fresh lemon juice and chopped basil. If this is something you have not done before, ask one of your guests if they ever blended an aioli or dressing and would they kindly be your sous chef for the day.
Use a griddle and crisp one full piece of prosciutto per burger. If a griddle is not available, this can be done in a pan. Use a paper towel and wipe a thin layer of olive oil onto the pan. Note: On a hot pan this happens quickly! About halfway through, fold the piece in half and finish cooking. This will allow it to fit properly on the burger.
Step 4
Burger time! Place the burger on the hot grill and cook with the cover. If you are using a propane or gas grill keep the flame at about ¾ as soon as you put all the burgers on.
Finally, gently grill the bun for about 20-30 seconds then remove. Arugula is optional to add a little green and texture to the burger. Allow the guests to spread the aioli on the bun. Most people don’t use ketchup or mustard, but this is America, so anything goes!
Plevin & Gallucci wishes everyone across Ohio a safe and happy Fourth of July.
