Barbecue Bison Burgers

This is a pretty basic burger. It's got soft gooey cheese, tangy barbecue sauce (yeah, from a bottle), and tender sweet onions. What makes it unique (and fit for blogging about) is the bison (often referred to as buffalo, although technically, I think they're two different things). At the Saturday farmer's market (where I've been buying my local beef), they now offer grass-fed bison. When I learned that bison is even leaner than beef and makes a killer burger, I was sold. And home I went with my ground bison in tow, to make these big juicy burgers. To me, the bison tasted very similar to beef. I added fresh diced onion and garlic to impart moisture and a few dashes of salt, pepper, and cayenne for flavor. Since the meat is so lean, you have to make sure you don't over-cook it. (Take it off the grill before it looks done because even once it's removed from the heat it will continue cooking.) The onions require some significant prep-time so make sure to plan for them ahead.

INGREDIENTS
2 large onions, thinly sliced and caramelized (instructions here)
1 lb. ground bison
1/3 cup red onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
dash cayenne pepper
4 slices smoked gouda or smoked cheddar
1/4 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
4 whole wheat hamburger buns

DIRECTIONS
1. Caramelize onions according to recipe directions.

2. In a large bowl, combine bison, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne. Gently work with your hands just until incorporated (don't over-mix or the meat will be tough). Form into four evenly sized patties.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook to the desired done-ness. A minute or two before the burgers are done, place a slice of cheese on top to melt.

NOTE: Because bison is so lean it will cook extremely fast and it will continue to cook after removed from the heat. I suggest taking it off the grill before it is completely done.

4. Place each burger on a hamburger bun (spread with barbecue sauce) and top with caramelized onions.

Makes 4 burgers.