Julia’s easy and elegant French hamburger.

FOR THE ONIONS:
  • 3/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
FOR THE PATTIES:
  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup flour, spread on a plate
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
FOR THE SAUCE:
  • 1/2 cup beef stock, beef bouillon, dry white wine, dry white vermouth, red wine, or 1/4 cup water
  • 2-3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons green herbs, minced (such as parsley, chives, tarragon, or chervil)
PREPARATION
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 2 tablespoons butter and onions and cook slowly until soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. To the mixing bowl, add the beef, 2 tablespoons softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme, and egg. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
  3. Form mixture into patties 3/4 inch thick and cover and chill until ready to use.
  4. When ready to cook, lightly roll patties in flour spread on a plate, shaking off excess.
  5. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the 1 tablespoon butter and oil. When it begins to foam and subside, sauté the patties to desired temperature, about 2-3 minutes or more per side depending on doneness.
  6. Transfer patties to a plate and keep warm while you work on the sauce:
  7. Drain fat from skillet. Add liquid (stock, wine, etc) and let boil, scraping up bits from bottom of pan as it reduces. Cook down to almost a syrup consistency, then turn off heat, and add butter by 1/2 tablespoons. Swirl pan to melt butter, then stir in herbs.
  8. Spoon sauce over hamburger patties and serve. Enjoy!

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