Quick Fix: Mushrooms add an earthy flavor to these perfect-for-Memorial Day burgers

Looking for a really, juicy burger for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend or for anytime you want a burger. Try this one. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor to lean ground beef. They also make the burgers juicy.

The mushrooms are cooked before they are added to the ground meat. Be sure to cook them until they are dry, with no liquid left in the pan.

WILD MUSHROOM AND BEEF BURGERS

Yield 2 servings.

6 ounces wild mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, chanterelle) chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper

8 ounces 95 percent lean ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 whole wheat hamburger rolls

1 large tomato, cut into 2 slices and remainder into cubes

Several lettuce leaves

Wash mushrooms and chop by hand or in a food processor. Cook 5 minutes or until the pan is dry. Add smoked paprika and a salt and pepper to taste. Mix mushrooms with the ground beef. Using your hands, form into two patties. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This keeps the burgers from puffing up while cooking. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet and add the burgers. Cook 6 to 8 minutes per side. A meat thermometer should read 125 degrees Fahrenheit for rare or 145 degrees for medium. Toast buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler. Place the burgers on the bottom bun. Place one slice tomato on each burger (save the remaining tomato cubes for the salad). Add several lettuce leaves over the tomato. Add the bun top.

LETTUCE TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD

4 cups lettuce

1 cup sliced cucumber

1 cup green bell pepper cubes

Remaining tomato cubes from the burger

4 tablespoons reduced-fat oil and vinegar dressing

Divide the lettuce between two dinner plates and add the cucumber, green bell pepper and tomato cubes. Drizzle dressing on top.