Hamburger di Carne di Cavallo (Horse Meat Burger)

Hamburger di Carne di Cavallo

Hamburger di Carne di Cavallo

By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

History

Horse meat has a long history in Italy, especially in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Piemonte, and parts of Tuscany. In these areas, horse meat is used in various traditional dishes, such as stews, sausages, and, of course, burgers. Horse meat is leaner than beef, with a slightly sweeter taste, and makes for a juicy and flavorful burger when prepared properly. The tradition of making hamburgers from horse meat has been around for generations, often in family-run trattorias and local butcher shops.

Ingredients

• 500g of fresh, lean horse meat (preferably from a butcher or specialty store)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (preferably grissini Torinesi crumbs)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for cooking)

• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

• 4 burger buns (preferably rustic, like ciabatta or brioche)

• Fresh salad greens (arugula, rocket, or lettuce)

• 2 slices of buffalo mozzarella or Fior di Latte (optional, for topping)

• Tomato slices (optional)

• Olive tapenade or aioli (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the fresh horse meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano.

   • Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.

2. Form the Patties:

   • Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 2 cm thick. Make sure the patties are compact so they hold together during cooking.

3. Cook the Patties:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.

   • Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can also grill them if you prefer a smokier flavor.

4. Prepare the Buns:

   • While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns in a separate pan or oven until golden and crispy.

5. Assemble the Burger:

   • Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

   • Top with fresh salad greens, a slice of buffalo mozzarella or Fior di Latte (if using), and tomato slices.

   • Spread a little olive tapenade or aioli on the top bun for extra flavor, if desired.

6. Serve:

   • Close the burger and serve immediately, with a side of your favorite fries or a simple green salad.

Wine Pairing:

Pair this dish with a Dolcetto d’Alba from the Piemonte region. Its light tannins and fruity notes complement the tender, slightly sweet flavor of the horse meat without overpowering it.

This unique burger brings a taste of Italy’s more adventurous culinary side, perfect for anyone wanting to try something different and delicious! Enjoy!