The Boss Beef Burgers

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 500 g minced lean beef

  • 1 red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup basil leaves, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup semi-sundried tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

  • 4 round bread rolls, split

  • 4 slices gruyere cheese

  • iceberg lettuce leaves, to serve

  • 2 gherkins, sliced

  • 1 large tomato, sliced

  • ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish and/or chilli sauce, to serve

Method:

Combine the beef, onion, parsley, basil, sundried tomato, egg, salt, pepper and paprika in a large bowl. Mix well by hand. Divide in four even portions and, with wet hands, press into flat patties slightly wider than the bread rolls. Transfer to a plate, cover with plastic wrap and rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. (The patties will keep in the refrigerator for a few hours, so they can be prepared ahead of time.)

Heat a barbecue hotplate or grill to medium and lightly grease with oil.

Brush or spray the burgers lightly with olive oil. Cook, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes or until cooked through. When almost cooked, top each burger with a cheese slice to melt and then toast the buns lightly on both sides.

Spread the base of each bun with your sauce/s of choice then top with lettuce, gherkins, the burger and tomato slices. Spread the top with any other sauce, as desired, and dig in.

Cristy Houghton