WITH most of our American friends about to celebrate their 4th of July Independence Day and the festivities associated, the burger will probably be one of the most eaten foods of the weekend.
Just say the word barbecue, and most people think of the burger: a sizzling meat patty tucked in a bun and topped with the basics and beyond!
The best thing about burgers is their versatility. While the standard model contains pure minced beef and not much else, even the most inexperienced chef can elevate his or her burger to gourmet status by adding fresh herbs, garlic, onions, eggs, breadcrumbs and cheese.
A frozen store bought burger can not replace the taste sensation that is a homemade burger, we all know that and they can work out just as economical on the price plus you will have all the goodness and taste that you expect from a homestyle version.
Adding a few additional ingredients to your meat will bring them to another level. Some of these should include, garlic, onion, cheese, fresh parsley and Worcestershire sauce – but these are only basic options. Burgers can also contain shallots, Tabasco, chili powder, curry powder, minced ginger, steak sauce and much, much more. If you have fussy eaters in the house, you may also want to consider hiding minced veggies, such as spinach, in your burger patties.
Condiments for burgers can range from the basic – ketchup, mustard and relish – to the exotic – chutney, aioli and red pepper puree. Fresh vegetables are a must, too, including tomatoes, lettuce and onions. And don’t forget excellent buns. If you can get to a bakery, or buy fresh, do – the better the bun, the better the burger.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Grill burgers over medium hot coals,
not blazing heat
• Burgers tend to have a slightly high fat content, and fat burns and scorches easily
• Turn the burger only after the first side can be easily slid from the grill
• Avoid pressing the burger with a spatula or flipper and it won’t stick as easily
• Cooking time depends on the size of burger and type of meat
• A six ounce burger cooked to medium will take about five to seven minutes per side
• Cook pork a little longer. If adding cheese to your burger, put it on at the last minute and close the grill lid for about 30 seconds
