SOPHISTO JOES (for four)

Technically not a burger, but delicious…

one 14 to 15 ounce can whole tomatoes in juice, drained

1 large onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1 celery rib, finely chopped

1-½ pounds ground beef chuck

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ cup dry red wine

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1-½ tablespoon packed brown sugar

4 kaiser rolls, split

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1. Puree tomatoes in a blender.

2. Cook onion and garlic in butter in a 12 inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add carrot, celery and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Add beef and brown, stirring to break up lumps, 5 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¾ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes, wine, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar and boil, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened, about 6 minutes.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then sandwich inside rolls.

from Gourmet Quick Kitchen