Introduction
Elevate your burger game with this delightful recipe that combines hearty minced beef with wholesome vegetables and flavorful herbs. Paired with a vibrant salsa, this dish promises a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a simple family dinner, these burgers are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the burgers:
– 2 leeks
– Olive oil
– 1 carrot
– 1 kg minced beef
– 100 g fresh or stale breadcrumbs
– Optional: 1 x 250 g packet of cooked lentils
– 2 teaspoons Dijon or wholegrain mustard
– 1 tablespoon baby gherkins
– ½ a bunch of fresh herbs (15 g), such as parsley or mint
– 100 g Cheddar cheese
For the salsa:
– 2 corn on the cobs
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 lime
– ½ a bunch of fresh soft herbs (15 g), such as parsley, mint, chives, or basil
– 1 fresh chilli
– 1-2 mixed-colour peppers
– ¼ of a ripe pineapple
– 200 g ripe tomatoes, on the vine
– 30 g feta cheese
Prep Time
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, allowing you to set everything up before cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is approximately 50 minutes, bringing the total time to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This recipe yields 10 delicious burgers, perfect for sharing or meal prepping. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures in every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Leeks
Place a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Chop the Leeks
Trim, halve, wash, and finely chop the leeks. Add them to the pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 3: Cook the Carrot
Peel and finely chop or coarsely grate the carrot; add it to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft but not colored. Transfer to a tray and spread out to cool quickly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients for Burgers
In a large tray or bowl, combine the minced beef, breadcrumbs, lentils (if using), and mustard.
Step 5: Add Gherkins and Herbs
Finely chop the gherkins and herb leaves; add them to the mixture.
Step 6: Mix in the Vegetables
Once the vegetables are completely cool, add them to the tray. Mix everything together well using clean hands.
Step 7: Shape the Burgers
With wet hands, divide the mixture into 10 portions. Shape each into a ball, patting them together well but not packing too tightly. Place them on an oiled roasting tray.
Step 8: Refrigerate
Refrigerate the tray for 1 hour, or until ready to cook.
Step 9: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Roast the burgers for 40 minutes.
Step 10: Add Cheese
Remove the tray from the oven and coarsely grate the cheese over the burgers. Return to the oven for a final 10 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Step 11: Prepare the Salsa – Corn
Run a sharp knife down the corn cobs to remove the kernels. Place them in a dry non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and let them char for a few minutes, tossing occasionally.
Step 12: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar. Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
Step 13: Add Herbs and Chilli
Finely chop the herb leaves and chilli; add them to the dressing.
Step 14: Prepare Peppers, Pineapple, and Tomatoes
Deseed the peppers, peel and core the pineapple, then finely chop them along with the tomatoes. Add them to the dressing.
Step 15: Combine Salsa Ingredients
Add the hot, charred corn to the salsa mixture and toss well.
Step 16: Add Feta and Taste
Crumble in the feta cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar if needed to achieve a slightly more acidic flavor.
Step 17: Serve
Serve the cheesy burgers with the tangy salsa, accompanied by a simple green salad and your choice of potatoes—jacket, wedged, or roasted new potatoes.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
You can substitute minced beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Cheese Alternatives
Feel free to use a different cheese if Cheddar is not available; mozzarella or Gouda can work well.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, replace the minced beef with a combination of lentils, beans, or a meat substitute.
Preparation Tips
Make the burger mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight for enhanced flavors.
Salsa Customization
Adjust the ingredients in the salsa according to your taste; you can add other fruits or vegetables as desired.
Cook techniques
Chopping Vegetables
Trim and finely chop vegetables like leeks, carrots, and herbs to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with other ingredients.
Sautéing
Sauté leeks and carrots in olive oil over medium heat, stirring regularly. This technique softens the vegetables without browning them, enhancing their sweetness.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, lentils, mustard, and chopped gherkins using clean hands to achieve an even distribution of ingredients.
Shaping Patties
Divide the meat mixture into portions and shape them into patties using wet hands to prevent sticking. Ensure they are compact but not tightly packed.
Roasting
Roast patties in a preheated oven to cook through and develop a golden crust. This technique ensures even cooking and retains moisture.
Grating Cheese
Coarsely grate cheese over cooked patties before a final bake to achieve a melty and bubbling cheese topping.
Charring Corn
Char corn kernels in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat to enhance their flavor. Toss occasionally for even charring.
Making Salsa
Combine charred corn, fresh herbs, diced peppers, and tomatoes with a dressing of olive oil and vinegar for a vibrant salsa.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the salsa after mixing and adjust seasoning with more vinegar or salt as needed to balance flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen leeks or other frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but be sure to adjust cooking times as they may need less time to sauté.
Is it necessary to add lentils to the burger mixture?
No, lentils are optional. They can add extra texture and nutrition but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler burger.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
You can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, depending on your flavor preference.
How long should I refrigerate the patties?
Refrigerating for 1 hour helps the patties hold their shape while cooking, but you can keep them longer if needed.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa ahead of time, but it’s best to add the corn and feta just before serving for optimal freshness.
What sides pair well with these burgers?
Serve with a simple green salad and your choice of potatoes, such as jacket potatoes, wedges, or roasted new potatoes.
Conclusion
This flavorful cheeseburger recipe, enhanced with roasted vegetables and a vibrant salsa, is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The addition of herbs and cheese takes it to the next level, while the fresh salsa provides a refreshing contrast. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, these burgers are sure to impress.
Vegetable and Bean Burger
Swap out the minced beef for a mix of black beans and chickpeas, incorporating the leeks and carrots for an extra layer of flavor. Add spices like cumin and smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
Cheesy Quinoa Burgers
Replace the breadcrumbs with cooked quinoa and use grated zucchini in place of leeks. Stir in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist and bind it all together with eggs.
Spicy Lentil Burgers
Use cooked lentils as the main ingredient for a vegetarian burger. Season with garlic, cayenne pepper, and fresh coriander for an added kick.
Grilled Pineapple Burgers
Incorporate grilled pineapple slices into your burger setup for a Hawaiian flair. Pair it with teriyaki sauce and season the beef patties with ginger and soy sauce.
Stuffed Avocado Salsa
Combine diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, and diced bell peppers for a creamy salsa. Use lime juice and cilantro for seasoning and serve it as a topping for your burgers or as a side dip.
Pineapple Feta Salad
Create a side salad using mixed greens, diced pineapple, and crumbled feta. Dress with olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This pairs beautifully with the main dish.
