Beef is wonderfully versatile. You can use it in a stir fry, roast it in the oven, complement a curry or simply grill it with fresh tomatoes and the result will always be a dish of wholesome and flavour laden taste.
The beef burger is always a welcome family dish, particularly at the weekends when work and school is out and time allows for preparation of this taste bud enhancing recipe.
Beef burger with tomato relish
These fantastic burgers with all trimmings make the perfect meal. They could also be cooked on a ridged griddle or frying pan.
Ingredients (serves four )
675g of minced beef
1 red onion
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 small leek, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 mild red chilli, seeded and finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
400g of can chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon of shredded fresh basil
4 burger buns, split in half
2 tablespoons of low-fat mayonnaise
1 little gem lettuce, separated into leaves
50g of blue cheese, crumbled
To cook
To make the relish
Cut the onion in half, cut one half into thin slices and reserve for garnishing, then finely chop the other half.
Heat the olive oil in a pan and gently fry the onion and leek for a few minutes until softened but not coloured.
Stir in the garlic and chilli, then season to taste and cook for another minute.
Tip in the tomatoes and allow to bubble for eight to 10 minutes or until the relish is well reduced and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, check the seasoning and then stir in the basil.
To make the burger
If using a charcoal barbecue, light it 30 minutes before you want to start cooking. If using a gas barbecue, light it ten minutes beforehand.
Divide the beef into four portions. Then, using wet hands, shape into patties that are 2.5cm thick.
Sprinkle a teaspoon of the pepper all over the burgers.
Add to the grill rack and cook for four minutes on each side for rare, six minutes each side for medium, and eight to nine minutes for well-done.
Serving suggestions
Toast the cut sides of the burger buns on the grill rack and place the bottom halves on warmed plates.
Add a smear of mayonnaise followed by the lettuce.
Top with the burgers, then add the crumbled blue cheese and reserved onion slices.
Add the burger buns to the side and place a small bowl of the tomato relish on each plate to serve.
