Chimichurri Burgers

Ingredients:

SAUCE:

• 1 cup parlsey leaves
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/8 tsp salt

BURGERS:

• 1 1/2 lbs extra-lean ground beef
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4 whole-wheat or whole-grain buns, lightly toasted (optional)

Makes 4 servings

1.  For the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, scallions, garlic, vinegar, water, oil, pepper flakes and salt; pulse until just pureed, about1 minute.
2.  For the burgers: In a large bowl, combine beef, basil, black pepper and salt. Form into 4 patties, about 1 inch thick.
3. Lightly coat a grill or grill pan with cooking spray, and heat to medium-high. Grill burgers 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160 F. Serve burgers onbuns, if using, topped with chimichurri sauce.

WW Points Value: 10 with buns; 8 without bun

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. South Beach Burgers are always the best and I've always wanted to try this recipe. I loved the flavor of the burger; basil brings out the best flavor in everything. The Chimichurri sauce was strong but very tasty due to the red vinegar. I highly recommend serving this recipe with the Oven Baked Onion Rings.