Juicy Burgers with Gruyere, Avocado, and Pickled Onions with Lettuce Buns
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: August 13, 2014

Lettuce wrapped burgers from Erin Scott's newest cookbook Yummy Suppers are a gluten-free meal that anyone who enjoys a good juicy burger will love.  Since these burgers are skipping the bun, you can really taste the patty so make sure you invest in a good quality ground beef.  These burgers are topped with gruyere cheese, quick pickled onions and a few slices of creamy avocado.  I like to add a little Sriracha mayo to mine for a spicy kick. Serve these gluten-free burgers with garlic and parsley oven fries.

Juicy Burgers with Gruyere, Avocado, and Pickled Onions, tucked into butter lettuce “buns” 
	Serves 4
When I spend big bucks for high-quality beef, I don’t need to weigh my burger down with a bready bun. Yes, there are plenty of decent gluten-free hamburger buns, but we prefer to eat our burgers wrapped in crisp butter lettuce. When serving burgers this way, the meat takes center stage, just as it should. We often serve burgers with a side of Parsnip Crisps (page 71). And of course, you can add the condiments of your choice: Ketchup, mustard, and Sriracha mayo are favorites at our house. 
	1 1⁄4 pounds ground beef
	1 teaspoon kosher salt
	Freshly ground black pepper
	3 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (sharp Cheddar is also good)
	1 avocado
	1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
	1⁄2 cup Quick-Pickled Onions
	Let the meat come to room temperature for 30 minutes before forming the burger patties.
	Always keep in mind that the key to a tender burger is to very lightly handle your ground beef. Sprinkle the beef with salt and black pepper. Gently form four 1"-thick patties.
	Prepare a grill for high-heat cooking. Grill the patties over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip and top with the grated cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side for medium-rare burgers.
	Let the cooked burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pit, peel, and thinly slice your avocado. At serving time, nestle each patty into a large leaf of butter lettuce. Top with avocado slices, pickled onions, and plenty of ground black pepper.
	Eating burgers this way is a bit messy, but my gang doesn’t seem to mind an excuse to lick their fingers clean.
Reprinted from “Yummy Supper” by Erin Scott. Copyright (c) 2014 by Erin Scott. By permission of Rodale Books. Available wherever books are sold.