Spicy Southwest Burger with Bold Flavors

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €6.18 · €1.03/serving

• 1 large poblano chileEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 21/2 tablespoons canola oilEst. price €0.08–€0.15
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepperEst. price €0.02–€0.05
• 11/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean) or ground turkey (90 percent lean)Est. price €0.15–€0.25
• 4 hamburger buns, split; toasted , if desiredEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 12 blue or yellow corn tortilla chipsEst. price €0.25–€0.45
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butterEst. price €0.10–€0.20
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flourEst. price €0.02–€0.04
• 11/2 cups whole milkEst. price €0.45–€0.75
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)Est. price €3.50–€5.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. 2

   Begin by placing the chile on a baking sheet with edges. Massage it with 1 tablespoon of oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast the chile in the oven until its skin turns black, which should take approximately 15 minutes. Once done, take the chile out of the oven and transfer it to a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to allow the chile to steam for about 15 minutes. After steaming, peel off the skin, remove the stem and seeds, and proceed to roughly chop the chile into pieces.

3. 3

   Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat to prepare the queso sauce. Next, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Then, add the milk and raise the heat to high. Continuously whisk as you cook until the mixture slightly thickens, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the cheese until it melts completely. Remember to season with salt and pepper before keeping it warm until ready to serve.

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• Cultural note

  The Spicy Southwest Burger draws inspiration from Tex-Mex cuisine, combining bold flavors and ingredients commonly found in Southwestern American cooking. It showcases the influence of Mexican culinary traditions on American comfort food.

• Seasonal note

  This Spicy Southwest Burger is perfect for summer grilling when poblano chilies are in season and fresh corn tortilla chips are readily available. It can also be enjoyed year-round by using frozen or canned ingredients.

• Health note

  While high in calories and fat, this dish provides a good amount of protein and some fiber. The presence of vitamins A and C from the poblano chile adds a nutritional boost. However, the high sodium and saturated fat content should be consumed in moderation.