½lbgreen tomatoesoptional, depending on availability
1cupred bell pepperschopped (I used jarred roasted red peppers)
1small onionchopped
½cupcider vinegar
½cupsugar
½Tablespoonmustard seeds
1 ½tspcelery seeds
½tspturmeric
¼tspcayenne pepper
¼cupgreen onionsliced
2lbs.ground chuck20 % fat
mini-buns
¼cupBBQ sauceyour preferred brand
salt
pepper
Instructions
Combine the cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, onion, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds,turmeric, cayenne and 1 1/2 tsp salt in a heavy saute pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes.
4 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 lb green tomatoes, 1 cup red bell peppers, 1 small onion, 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 Tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 1/2 tsp celery seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt
Preheat a grill or a skillet to medium high, wiping down the grate or skillet with olive oil before heating. I have a Cuisinart Griddler and I love it for indoor grilling. Turn the top and bottom plates both on sear if you have one of these.
In a bowl, use your hands to gently mix together ground beef, green onions, and 1/2 tsp pepper (more to taste). Do not add salt, as this will cause the meat to start to cure and give it a different texture.
1/4 cup green onion, 2 lbs. ground chuck, pepper
Use a 1/2 cup dry measuring cup to form the mini-burgers. Pack the measuring cup with the burger mixture and level it off. Turn the measuring cup over onto a plate and tap the bottom until the burger patty drops out. Don't handle the meat too much, as it is better texture and taste if it is light and airy. Salt the burger patties right before grilling.
salt
Grill the burgers until charred on the outside and cooked inside until no longer pink (160 degrees), turning once. It takes about 3-5 minutes per side (if desired, add cheese on top of the patties for the last couple of minutes to melt). Remove the burgers and allow them to rest on a paper towel for a couple of minutes. While the patties are resting, grill the buns, cut side down, until toasted.
mini-buns
Spread the bottom buns with your favorite BBQ sauce. Place the burger patty on the sauce and top with a generous portion of chow chow mix. Serve with your favorite beer or non-alcoholic drink.
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Notes
1. As mentioned, chow chow relish is very versatile and a great way to use up veggies. Most things you may have lying around in the fridge will probably work well in it.