Burger and Chips

After speak to the butcher, I really had to agree with him. I too don’t know why people buy burgers rather than make them. At their simplest, they are squashed minced beef, or lamb as you prefer. But it takes only another 3 minutes or so to spice them up a little. And if you make them yourself, you know they’ll have fresh ingredients and no preservatives or added water and salt.

I use Jamie’s ‘Botham Burger’ recipe as an idea and play with it according to what I’ve got in the fridge and cupboard.

You’ll need:

minced beef or lamb

fresh breadcrumbs

an egg

crushed coriander seeds

cumin seeds

Dijon mustard

finely chopped onions

Method:

Simply combine all the above ingredients in the quantities you prefer. I used a small pack of mince with one egg, breadcrumbs to fill a large, open handful, a dessertspoon of coriander seeds and mustard with a teaspoon of cumin. Get your hands in and really squash it together.

If the onions are finely enough chopped, the mixture should hold together well. Form into balls or more traditional burger shapes. You can either brown them off in the frying pan in hot oil, or simply pop onto a tray and stick in the oven. Cook for about 20-30 minutes at 180 deg. c, depending on how you like your beef cooked.

For a twist, push a small cube of cheese (something that will melt!) into the centre of each ball before forming and add some chilli!