One of my favorite foods has got to be mushrooms...on a pizza, as a side, in a casserole, and when it's morphed into a burger...EVEN BETTER. This recipe is one of my favorites because A) it's America's Test Kitchen and I love all of their recipes and B) the "meatiness" and freshness of the portobello mushroom combined with tomatoes and greens. This meal is great because you still feel like you get to indulge (Thank you bread!) but you're also eating fresh vegetables. I served these with some homemade sweet potato fries because who ISN'T having fries on the side when they eat a burger?! The toppings can vary depending on taste preferences but don't overdue it with cheese, because to be honest, this sandwich doesn't even need it, it's so good.
Sandwich Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 portobello mushroom caps
4 rolls (I like Martin's potato rolls)
1 tomato, sliced thin
2 cups arugula
blue cheese crumbles (optional)
For an Italian variation of this recipe top your "burger" with shredded mozzarella cheese, arugula, tomato, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
Aioli Ingredients:
1/4 cup mayo
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
Steps:
Adjust an oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat to 475 degrees. Combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, and 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a small bowl.
To prepare the mushrooms, use a spoon to remove the gills from the cap (if pressed for time, you may skip this step). Place the mushrooms gill-side up on a foil lined baking sheet. Brush the mushrooms with half the oil mixture and roast for 20 minutes. Flop the mushrooms over and brush with the remaining half of the oil mixture and continue to roast until browned, for about 5 more minutes. If using cheese, sprinkle your cheese of choice over the mushrooms and continue to roast until melted, about 5 more minutes.
For the mayo combine all ingredients in food processor (if available to you) until blended. Spread on each side of your bun, top with mushroom cap, preferred toppings and ENJOY!