Ah, the classic hamburger… the bun, the ground beef patty, the accompanying veggies and the variety of sauces to go with it... And don’t forget the cheese! Seriously – could there be a more satisfying meal? Over the years, though, hamburgers have become much more than the classic ground beef patty with salad and cheese: These days, you can even find fish burgers, burgers made with legumes (for the vegetarians) and vegan burgers! Each and every palate has its own hamburger. So – if you like to experiment like we do, try replacing the classic American cheese on your burger with a slice of Gorgonzola DOP – an Italian cheese with very low lactose content, which is great news if you’re lactose-intolerant! This is a hamburger that you won’t regret eating. Not only is the patty made from healthy, protein- packed chickepeas, but the gorgonzola is guaranteed to put you in a better mood! Here’s why:
What's in a slice of gorgonzola cheese?
In every slice of Gorgonzola DOP – of both the sweet and spicy varieties – you’re sure to find plenty of proteins with a high biological value and various micronutrients, such as vitamins A and B12, folate, calcium, phosphorus and zinc, promoting (among other things), normal psychological, immune system, cognitive and visual functioning as well as helping to reduce fatigue. In addition, gorgonzola is particularly rich in the amino acid trytophan, which helps the body to release serotonin – the “happiness” hormone.
What is serotonin and how does it work?
Often referred to as the hormone related to wellbeing and happiness, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is synthesized in the brain and other tissues of the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin is a substance present in various areas of the central nervous system with certain sedative properties that have a direct relationship with mood and other functions of the body. In addition to regulating blood pressure, safeguarding bone health and regulating circadian rhythms (related to waking and sleeping), serotonin can also have an effect on the psyche, influencing a state of wellbeing or malaise, depending on the levels of the hormone in the blood. Consuming a diet rich in foods that help synthesize the hormone serotonin is therefore fundamental – especially during this difficult time that we’re all currently facing. Perhaps you’ve already heard about the positive effects of chocolate for the very same reason; thanks to its nutritional properties, chocolate also interacts with the good mood hormone, but it’s not the only one! Gorgonzola is another great solution – and not just because it has such an excellent flavor! So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Chickpea Burgers with Lettuce, Spicy Gorgonzola and Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
To assemble:
4 hamburger buns, 5 oz spicy gorgonzola, 1 oz butter, 1 large red onion, Fresh lettuce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, Salt
To make the chickpea burgers:
1 lb cooked chickpeas, Breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ½ clove of garlic, Fresh thyme, Extra-virgin olive oil, Salt, Pepper
Method:
Start by making the caramelized onions. Peel the onion and thinly slice. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan. Once butter is foamy, add the onions and season with salt. Sauté for 10 minutes or until transparent. Add the brown sugar and cook the onions until caramelized. Remove from the heat and set aside. In the meantime, start making the chickpea burgers. Add the drained chickpeas, ½ clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 1 egg, a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until ingredients are combined and smooth. Form the burgers using a ring mold or stencil. Then bread and cook in a non-stick pan with extra-virgin olive oil for about 7 minutes on each side. Separate the buns and start to assemble the burgers. Add the chickpea burger patties with the lettuce, caramelized onions and crumbled spicy gorgonzola. Serve and enjoy!