Portobello Burgers with Herbed Chèvre and Grilled Onions

Because they are so meaty, portobello mushrooms make fantastic “burgers” for a meatless Monday meal. Herbed chèvre gives a creamy texture to the finished dish. If you find that the mushrooms and onions are burning before they soften, turn off one set of burners and set them over indirect heat; this will give them time to cook through without getting too dark.

Portobello Burgers with Herbed Chèvre and Grilled Onions

6 oz. (185 g) chèvre, at room temperature (about 1/2 cup)

1 Tbs. heavy cream

6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

4 portobello mushrooms, stems removed, caps brushed clean

1 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch (12-mm) rings

3 Tbs. olive oil

4 soft rolls, split

1 cup (3 oz./90 g) shredded romaine lettuce

In a bowl, stir together the chèvre, cream and basil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper and set aside at room temperature.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill.

Place the mushroom and onion slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the onions and mushrooms on the grill grate directly over the heat. Grill the onions, turning with a spatula to keep the rings together, until they are very soft and have dark grill marks, 8 to 10 minutes total; grill the mushrooms, turning once, until they are darkened and soft, about 4 minutes per side.

Arrange the rolls, cut side down, on the grate directly over the heat and toast until lightly browned.

Spread the rolls with the herbed chèvre. Set the mushroom burgers on the rolls and top with the onions and shredded lettuce. Close the burgers and serve immediately. Serves 4.

For this and more ideas for burgers you’ll want to serve every night of the week, check out our new Burger Night, by Kate McMillan.