Julia Child's Ground Beef Patties with Onions and Herbs (Bifteck Haché A La Lyonnaise)
Ingredients:
For the onions:
3/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced
2 tablespoons butter
For the patties:
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1 egg
1/2 cup flour (for coating)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
For the sauce:
1/2 cup beef stock, beef bouillon, dry white wine, dry white vermouth, red wine, or 1/4 cup water
2-3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons minced green herbs (such as parsley, chives, tarragon, or chervil)
Preparation:
Cook the onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced onions and cook gently until soft but not browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the onions to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
Make the patties:
Add the ground beef, softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme, and egg to the bowl with the onions. Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously until everything is well combined.
Shape the mixture into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Cover the patties and chill them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Prepare for cooking:
Spread the flour on a plate. When you're ready to cook the patties, lightly roll each one in the flour, shaking off the excess.
Cook the patties:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter and oil start to foam and subside, sauté the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Transfer the cooked patties to a warm plate.
Make the sauce:
Pour off any excess fat from the skillet. Add your chosen liquid (beef stock, wine, or water) and let it boil, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the liquid until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Turn off the heat and add the butter in small pieces, swirling the pan to melt it. Stir in the minced herbs.
Serve:
Spoon the sauce over the patties and serve immediately. Enjoy this classic French dish!