Serrano Pepper Burgers

This chile pepper gets its name from its origin. In Spanish, serrano is an adjective meaning “from the mountains” which is where it originated-in the mountains of Hildalgo, Mexico. The serrano is normally about twice as hot as Jalapeno (about 10,000 to 15,000 Scoville units).It is the second most popular chile pepper in Mexico. This chile is used mostly for salsas but can also be used in soups, sauces, chili or stews.Try these as a hotter substitute for Jalapeno.

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Yield: Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

1 pound serrano peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
3 pounds ground chuck
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound pepper Jack cheese, thinly sliced
Butter
12 hamburger buns
Toppings: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato slices

Preparation

1. Light 1 side of grill, heating to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat; leave other side unlit. Toss together peppers and olive oil. Arrange peppers in a grill basket or on an aluminum-foil tray over unlit side, and grill, covered with grill lid, 10 to 15 minutes or until peppers begin to shrivel. Transfer peppers to lit side of grill, and grill, covered with grill lid, 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly charred, turning halfway through. Remove from grill to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).

2. Remove and discard stems; slice peppers in half lengthwise. Remove seeds, and sprinkle peppers with desired amount of salt.

3. Preheat both sides of grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Shape ground chuck into 12 patties; sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper. Grill patties, without grill lid, 4 to 5 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness. Place 2 to 3 pepper halves on each patty; top with cheese. Grill, covered with grill lid, 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

4. Butter buns, and toast on grill. Serve patties on toasted buns with desired toppings.

Craig Wiseman, Southern Living
MAY 2014