A fresh tomato salsa flavors the beef mixture and also serves as a colorful topping for these zesty burgers.

Double Salsa Burgers

1 large tomato, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

2 fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro

Juice of 1 small lime

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

2 cups shredded lettuce

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

Guacamole (optional)

1. For salsa, in a medium bowl combine tomato, green pepper, onion, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the salsa. Cover and chill the remaining salsa until serving time.
2. In another medium bowl, combine ground beef and the 2 tablespoons salsa; mix well. Shape mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick oval patties.
3. Grill patties on an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 12 to 14 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, turning once.
4. Arrange shredded lettuce on dinner plates. Top with patties, remaining salsa, and cheddar cheese. Serve with a small dollop of sour cream and/or guacamole.

Makes 6 servings.