Introduction
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with these flavorsome burgers, complemented by a vibrant and refreshing salsa. This recipe combines the savory goodness of minced beef with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses to create a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for family gatherings or weekend barbecues, these burgers are sure to please both adults and kids alike.
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, 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, 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 time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to gather and prepare all the ingredients before cooking.
Cook Time
The cooking time includes both the roasting of the burgers and the preparation of the salsa, which together lasts around 50 minutes.
Total Time
In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and cook the entire dish, plus an additional hour for chilling the burger mixture.
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 10 burgers, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week ahead.
Indulge in these flavorful burgers and fresh salsa, and enjoy a meal that brings everyone together at the table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pan
Place a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Chop the Leeks
Trim, halve, wash, and finely chop the leeks. Add them to the pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Prepare the Carrot
Peel and finely chop or coarsely grate the carrot; add it to the pan.
Cook the Vegetables
Cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables are soft but not colored.
Cool the Vegetables
Transfer the cooked vegetables onto a tray, spreading them out to cool quickly.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large tray or bowl, combine the minced beef, breadcrumbs, lentils (if using), and mustard.
Add Gherkins and Herbs
Finely chop the gherkins and herb leaves; add them to the mixture.
Add Cool Vegetables
Once the vegetables are completely cool, add them to the tray. Mix everything together well using clean hands.
Shape the Burgers
With wet hands, divide the mixture into 10 portions. Shape each into a ball, patting them together well but not packing them too tightly.
Prepare for Fridge
Line the shaped balls on an oiled roasting tray.
Chill the Burgers
Place the tray in the fridge for 1 hour, or until ready to cook.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
Roast the Burgers
Roast the burgers for 40 minutes.
Add Cheese
Remove the tray from the oven and coarsely grate the cheese over the burgers.
Final Baking
Return the tray to the oven for a final 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Prepare the Salsa
Run a sharp knife down the sides of the corn cobs to remove the kernels.
Char the Corn
Place the kernels into a dry non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Let them char for a few minutes, tossing occasionally.
Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
Add Fresh Ingredients
Finely chop the herb leaves and chilli; add them to the bowl.
Prepare Peppers and Pineapple
Deseed the peppers, peel and core the pineapple, then finely chop them along with the tomatoes. Add them to the dressing as you go.
Add Charred Corn
Add the hot, charred corn to the salsa mixture and toss well.
Finish the Salsa
Crumble in the feta cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar if needed to achieve a slightly more acidic flavor.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesy Botham burgers with the tangy salsa, accompanied by a simple green salad and your choice of potatoes—be it jacket, wedged, or roasted new potatoes.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to use alternative fresh herbs according to your taste preferences.
Cooking Precautions
Ensure the burgers are cooked thoroughly before serving, particularly if not using lentils.
Storage Instructions
Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consumption.
Cook techniques
Chopping
Chop leeks, carrots, gherkins, and herbs finely to ensure they blend well in the burger mixture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Sautéing
Cook chopped leeks and carrots in olive oil over medium heat until softened, ensuring that the vegetables are flavorful without browning.
Mixing
Combine minced beef, breadcrumbs, optional lentils, mustard, chopped vegetables, gherkins, and herbs thoroughly using clean hands to create a uniform burger mixture.
Forming
Divide the burger mixture into equal portions and shape them into balls using wet hands, which helps to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Chilling
Refrigerate the shaped burgers for an hour before cooking to help maintain their shape and improve texture during roasting.
Roasting
Cook the burgers in a preheated oven until they are thoroughly cooked, finishing with a layer of grated cheese for added richness and flavor.
Charring
Remove the kernels from corn cobs and char them in a dry frying pan to add a smokey flavor to the salsa.
Mixing Salsa
Combine charred corn with chopped herbs, chilli, peppers, pineapple, and tomatoes in a bowl, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are seasoned and flavorful.
Tasting and Adjusting
Taste the salsa before serving, adjusting the acidity and seasoning to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the burgers?
Yes, you can substitute minced beef with minced turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor or if you prefer a lighter option.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried herbs in smaller amounts or skip them altogether, although fresh herbs provide a bright flavor.
How can I store leftover burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the salsa can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh.
What other toppings can I use for the burgers?
Feel free to add toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or your favorite sauces to customize your burgers to your preference.
Conclusion
These delicious cheesy burgers, packed with fresh vegetables and enhanced by a zesty salsa, make for a nourishing and flavorful meal. The combination of ingredients not only adds depth to the flavor but also makes the dish vibrant and appealing. Enjoy them with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers
Replace minced beef with cooked quinoa and black beans. Add spices like cumin and coriander, and incorporate chopped bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Chickpea Burgers
Use mashed chickpeas as the base, with added onions, garlic, and cumin. Serve with a yogurt-tahini sauce for a Middle Eastern twist.
Grilled Veggie Burgers
Grill a mix of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. Blend them into a burger patty, topped with goat cheese and served on whole-grain buns.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
Replace meat with shredded jackfruit cooked in barbecue sauce. Serve on a bun with coleslaw for a smoky flavor profile.
Beef and Mushroom Blend Burgers
Mix finely chopped mushrooms with minced beef. This not only enhances the burger’s flavor and moisture but also provides a healthier option with added nutrients.
Avocado Tuna Burgers
Combine canned tuna, mashed avocado, breadcrumbs, and seasonings for a refreshing seafood burger. Top with cucumber slices and a squeeze of lime.
Lentil and Sweet Potato Burgers
Use mashed cooked lentils and sweet potato for a fulfilling meal that’s also vegan-friendly. Pair with a tahini dressing for added creaminess.
