Burgers are definitely a huge treat in our house. But they are not something we ever really cook at home. Well unless you're talking about on the barbecue on one of the very rare hot days we have over the summer.
The kids though would definitely order one if we went out to eat as a family. Any meal that does not require a knife and fork always gets the thumbs up! My two daughters Amelia, six, and Leila, four, were excited that we were going to make them together at home.
I based the burgers on a Jamie Oliver recipe, and apart from the extra step of having to cook the red onion in advance it was super easy and quick to put these together. I even went that bit further and grilled them each a bit of bacon to add into the bun at the end which both of them loved. This was as suggested in the Jamie's America book.
My version of this classic didn't look as round and uniform as a shop bought equivalent but that is the point of getting the rustic and homemade feel to it.
Both girls wolfed them down and barely noticed the tomato I'd sneaked in the bun.
The verdict? Amelia said: "Delicious and I love the bacon and burger together". I couldn't catch what Leila was saying as her mouth was so full!
Vicky White
I made the burgers under the grill so they were also super healthy. Plus I served them in a brown roll which was filling so there was no need for chips either. On the side they had carrot and avocado slices which also went down well.
Ingredients:
olive oil
2 medium red onions, peeled and finely chopped
6 Jacob's crackers, or 4 slices of bread, crusts removed
500 g quality lean minced beef
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 heaped teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large free-range egg
1 handful Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
What to do:
1. Fry the onions in a splash of olive oil for 10 minutes until they have softened. Leave them to cool completely.
2. Blitz crackers or bread in a food processor until it is a fine consistency.
3. Put the cooled onions, minced beef, salt, beaten egg and parmesan in a large bowl
4. Scrunch the mixture together with your hands and then divide into about 12 balls for burgers suitable for kids.
5. Wet your hands and pat them into burger shaped patties about 2cm thick.
6. Put on a baking tray and cover with cling film and leave to cool in the fridge for at least an hour.
7. Whether you are frying or grilling your burgers allow at least four minutes each side. Also grill/fry the bacon at the same time.
8. Halve burger buns and add burger and bacon with your choice of other toppings.
9. Serve with a mix of chopped up carrot and avocado.
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