Rustic Burger with Fine Game Flavor

This burger is a true highlight for game lovers. Tender venison mince is formed into juicy patties and combined with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fresh toppings.

The burger gets its special sophistication from an aromatic nettle pesto, which acquires a fresh, slightly nutty note with Parmesan, pumpkin seeds, and lemon. Together with the homemade burger buns, an extraordinary burger with a rustic character is created.

Ingredients (for 4 burgers)

Burger Buns

450 g spelt flour

250 ml milk (lukewarm)

50 g olive oil

50 g butter

10 g fresh yeast

2 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp vinegar

1 egg

Splash of milk (for brushing)

Optional:
Sesame for sprinkling

Nettle Pesto

100 g mayonnaise

50 ml olive oil

50 g roasted pumpkin seeds

50 g Parmesan, grated

1 handful young nettle leaves

Salt and pepper

Lemon juice and some lemon zest

Venison Burger

720 g venison mince

8 slices bacon

4 slices cheddar

1 head Lollo Rosso

1 pack radish sprouts

Spices for the patties

1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika powder
½ tsp garlic powder
2 crushed juniper berries
½ tsp salt

Preparation

1. Bake Burger Buns

Dissolve yeast and sugar in the lukewarm milk.

Add flour, salt, olive oil, and vinegar and knead everything into a smooth dough.

Let the dough rise, covered, for about 1 hour, until it has significantly increased in size.

Then form 6 equally sized buns and place them on a baking sheet.

Let them rise again for about 45-60 minutes.

Whisk egg and milk, brush the buns with it and sprinkle with sesame if desired.

Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.

2. Prepare Nettle Pesto

Wash the nettle leaves thoroughly.

Blend finely with olive oil, pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Season with salt and pepper.

Finally, mix the pesto with the mayonnaise.

3. Prepare Patties

Season the venison mince with pepper, paprika, garlic, juniper, and salt.

Form four patties of about 180 g each.

4. Grill Bacon and Patties

Fry bacon until crispy on the grill or in a pan.

Sear the patties over high heat on both sides.

After flipping, place a slice of cheddar on each and let it melt.

Game patties should ideally be cooked medium to keep them juicy.

5. Assemble Burger

Halve the burger buns and lightly toast them.

Spread the bottom half with nettle pesto.

Layer on top:

• Lollo Rosso
• Venison patty with cheddar
• Crispy bacon
• Radish sprouts

Top with the bun lid.

Thanks to michis_bbq for the wild burger inspiration!