Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese Burgers - olive oil

Method

• To make the caramelized onions:
• Place a large skillet over low heat and when it is hot, add the oil.
• Add the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring only occasionally as necessary, until the onions are deeply browned and slightly gooey, about 40 minutes.
• If the onions dry out, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• (Yield: 3/4 to 1 cup)
• To make the burgers:
• Place the beef on a work surface and divide into 4 balls of equal size.
• Divide the blue cheese into 4 portions of equal size.
• Using your thumb or the back of a tablespoon, make a shallow hole in each portion of beef and fill it with the blue cheese.
• Shape the burger and carefully seal the opening.
• Form each into a patty about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, tossing it back and forth between your hands.
• To ensure more even cooking, make a 1/2-inch indentation with your thumb in the center of the burger.
• Handle the patties as little as possible; do not work more than necessary.
• Prepare a grill to medium-high.
• When the coals are glowing red, after 15 to 20 minutes, cover with the grate.
• After 5 minutes, use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the grate.
• Brush the grate with oil.
• When the coals are covered with pale gray ash and you can leave your hand 5 inches above the fire for 2 to 3 seconds, the coals are ready.
• Sprinkle both sides of the burgers with the salt and pepper.
• Place the burgers on the grate and grill until well seared on both sides, about 5 minutes for medium rare or 6 minutes for medium.
• Top with a few crumbles of cheese and let melt, if desired.
• Transfer to buns (or toast as shown) or a serving platter and serve immediately.
• Alternatively, place a cast iron skillet over high heat and when it is hot but not smoking add the burgers to the dry pan.
• Cook until well seared on both sides, 8 to 10 minutes for medium rare or 10 to 12 minutes for medium.