Homemade Burgers

Burgers have a notorious reputation due its association with fast-food chains, processed meat and loads of sodium and fat.  On the contrary, burgers can be a wholesome meal particularly when it is homemade with fresh and quality ingredients.  All you need is lean ground meat, fresh and crisp vegetables and quality cheese to make that difference.  To go that extra mile, you can even make your own sesame burger buns.  I did just that, and it is really worth the effort.

I have provided below a rough recipe for the burgers.  However, unlike cakes and bread, you don't have to follow the recipe with accuracy.  Be guided by your own taste and preference.
You will need:

1.5 kg minced meat (I used pork)

2 large onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbsp tomato ketchup or puree

1 egg

2 tbsp dry breadcrumbs
2 tbsp worchestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a medium pan, combine onions and olive oil. Cook until soft, add garlic and cook further 1-2 minutes. Cool.

Combine the mince, cooked onion mixture, ketchup, egg and breadcrumbs.  Mix well with your hands.  Season with salt and pepper.  Divide mixture into 12 patties.  Flatten the patties with your hands until they are about 2 cm thick.  Cover with cling film, and refrigerate patties for about 1 hour to firm up.

Place patties on oiled pan on medium-high heat.  Flatten patties to approximately 10cm diameter.  Cook, turning once, for about 4-5 minutes per side or until just cooked through.

When patties are almost done, toast the cut side of the buns on a grill pan (the inside of the bun should be toasted and the outside should be soft).


To assemble, spread a little mayonnaise on each side of the bun.  Starting with the bun base, build your burger with the patty, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.  Top with tomato ketchup.  Serve hot.