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A hamburger, pickled beets and lentil salad on a plate next to a fork, knife, napkin and glass of beer

Danish Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Lentil Salad (Hakkebøf)

A classic Danish burger smothered in caramelized onions and served alongside an earthy, herby lentil salad.  
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: Danish, Nordic, Scandinavian
Keyword: easy beef burger recipe, hakkebof, lentil salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers + lentil salad for 4
Calories: 754kcal
Author: Kristi

Ingredients

For the Lentil Salad:

  • 1 cup French green lentils
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • One clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice more to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil or a combination
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2-3 yellow onions sliced thin (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

For the Burgers:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80-85% lean
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Serve with Pickled Beet Salad

Instructions

  • Pick over lentils and remove and debris you find.  Rinse in a fine mesh strainer and place in a medium saucepan.  Cover with cold water by 2-3 inches and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook until lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 15-20 minutes.  Drain lentils and place in a serving bowl.
  • Add minced garlic and one tablespoon of olive oil to the warm lentils.  Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, make the onions.  Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet.  Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium low and continue to cook until onions are caramelized and dark golden brown, about 25 additional minutes.  If the bottom of the pan is getting dark, add a tablespoon or two of water as you are cooking the onions to loosen any brown bits on the bottom of the pan if necessary.
  • Heat the grill.  Divide and shape the ground beef into 4 patties that are about an inch thick and have a slight divot in the center.  This will prevent the patties from ballooning up in the middle as they cook. Season the burgers generously with salt and pepper.
  • Once the grill is heated, clean and oil the grates.  Grill burgers over medium-high heat until they are done to your liking (about 4 minutes per side for medium-well).
  • Cover burgers and let rest.  While burgers are resting, finish the salad.  Add lemon juice, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, chopped herbs and cherry tomatoes to lentils and stir to combine.  Season to taste with salt, pepper and additional lemon juice if necessary. Add an additional drizzle of olive oil if the salad seems dry.
  • Serve burgers topped with caramelized onions and alongside the lentil salad and Pickled Beet Salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 754kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 1059mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 426IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 7mg