Cheese Burgers

Everyone (well, almost everyone) loves fast food, and I’m no exception. It’s a pleasure to sink my teeth into a great burger, enjoying the taste of the warm, toasted bun, the delicious dressing coating the patties and the usual assortment of crispy lettuce and cold, sliced tomatoes. However, I can’t help being conscious of my environment, the fast food joint I’m in and most importantly, I can’t help but wonder…what is in my burger?

One too many emails about unhygienic conditions in factories producing meat patties and dirty kitchen antics in the fast-food joints itself really was the last straw for me. Fortunately, I discovered this amazing recipe for homemade beef burger, which taste just as great (if not better) as the ones available at the fast
food joints. Not only is this alternative cheaper and healthier, it can also be a fun, family-oriented thing for those of you with kids. You can give your kids the opportunity to personalize what goes into their patty and shape them up according to their imagination. For me, I am a lot more comfortable knowing exactly what goes into the patty, and the absence of commercially produced preservatives is definitely an added bonus. It also puts my mind at ease knowing there are no off-cuts of meat in my patties, the stuff manufacturers usually class as 2^nd grade products and add into the minced meat sold in supermarkets.
As the meat is minced, they have a higher surface area. For this reason, it should be cooked fast as failing to do so increases the chances of the meat deteriorating. If you would like to keep them for later consumption, I wouldn’t recommend leaving the patty in the fridge overnight, but the freezer is fine. Remember to use baking paper or a plastic wrap in between your patties if you put them in the freezer. You don’t want them sticking onto each other, or you’ll end up with one huge beef patty instead!
The patty goes really well between toasted slices of burger bread or baguette (as I used in this recipe). Just add in the usual lettuce, a dash of tomato ketchup or chilly sauce, a generous slice of matured cheddar cheese and some sliced onions. There you have it, a complete, fulfilling meal.
This dish is best when having a barbeque. After all, it’s convenient and delicious, perfect for inviting a few guests over and having a ball of a time. Good food, good company, minimum effort. What’s more to ask for? Cheese Burgers

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
Serves: 6

750g topside beef
1 red tomato, skin removed and diced finely
1 egg, lightly whisked
2 garlic cloves, skin removed and minced
3 tablespoons corn flour
6 slices matured cheddar cheese
1 large onion, cut into quarters and stir-fry in oil until fragrant
5 tablespoons olive oil
10 pieces of baby cos lettuce, washed and dried
12 slices of baguette, thickly sliced
Chilly sauce
Salt and Pepper for taste

1. For the patty, chop topside beef in all directions, using a cleaver until it looks properly minced. In a clean bowl, mix minced beef, finely diced tomato, egg and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add corn flour, a tablespoon a time. Mix ingredients well. Divide mixture into 6 portions. Using your clean hands, shape each portion into a patty. Heat oil. Gently fry 2 patty at a time in the saucepan, 2 minutes each side over medium heat
2. Meanwhile, preheat grill over high heat
3. Brush olive oil onto the surface of sliced baguette
4. Grill slices of baguette in the grill, turning it every 1-2 minutes until toasted
5. Serve cooked patties in between 2 slices of baguette with cheddar cheese, lettuce, fried onions and chilly sauce
6. Serve immediately

source:http://www.chopstickdiner.com