Homemade Cheeseburgers

It's been years since I last had a burger from one of the fast-food chains, a meal I did not particularly enjoyed.  It's a shame that burgers have been associated with junk food that are not so good for you but it doesn't have to be that way.  Make them at home with quality beef on a barbecue or hot plate and enjoy them outdoors on a summer evening.  Go for lean beef if you are calories conscious but fat equals flavour so a little of it is good for taste.  Serve them in lightly toasted, buttery brioche buns with your choice of trimmings.  I keep it simple with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles, mayonnaise and ketchup.  Others might like to pile on fried onion rings, beetroots, relish, barbecue sauce, etc.  Less is more, in my opinion.  You want to bite into the juicy burger without everything falling out.  

Makes 4

INGREDIENTS

• 500g / 1lb 2oz beef mince
• 1 heaped teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 burger cheese slices* 
• 1-2 tomatoes, thickly sliced
• a handful of baby cos lettuce leaves
• slices of burger pickles (that have been sliced crosswise for convenience)
• mayonnaise, for spreading 
• tomato ketchup, for spreading 

*Use cheese slices of your choice, but I find the yellow 'burger cheese slices' perfect for the burgers.

METHOD

1. In a large bowl, combine beef mince with mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.  Mix and separate into 4 equal portions with your hands, then lightly shape into patties the size of your buns.  Set them on a tray.  Make a dent in the middle of each patty with your finger to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
2. Brush the barbecue or hot plate with oil over high heat.  Add patties and cook for 2 minutes on one side until golden brown and crusty.  Flip to the other side and cook for a further 1 minute or until done, then top with cheese slices.
3. While the patties are cooking, toast the cut side of the buns lightly.  

To assemble:

Spread base of buns with mayonnaise, followed by a few slices of pickles, then the patties with the melting cheese slices.  Top with lettuce leaves and tomato slices.  Spread the underside of the bun lid with tomato ketchup, then put the lid in place.  Serve immediately.