Practical Alchemy: Burgers and friends
Burgers are the classic American fare, ideally grilled up and shared with good friends over a nice beer. Burgers are simple yet can be deeply complex, with an infinite number of variations turning flavors this way and that. With a handful of cookouts under my belt, I have yet to make the same burger twice and I'm always excited to try a new way to serve them.
Click through for my basic patty recipe and a few of my favorite topping combinations so far.
The base of any burger is the burger patty. While plain old hamburger can be formed into patties, mixing in a few things helps season the meat and hold them together better. Starting with a pound of high quality lean ground beef and adding an egg makes the hamburger stickier and easier to work with. A half teaspoon of salt and a heavy grind of pepper seasons the meat, while a half white onion, minced finely, adds a bit of crunch and flavor.
To this staple, fresh herbs and spices can be added to enhance whatever toppings and dressing you intend to add. I've enjoyed some shredded basil as well as a few minced mint leaves. For a bit of a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a little cinnamon and nutmeg for depth and warmth.
Once the ground beef is mixed and ready it can be formed into 3 larger patties or 4 smaller ones. These should be cooked over medium-high heat on the grill and cooked all the way through. Unlike a slab of meat where bacteria is only able to penetrate the very outside and a searing will make it safe to eat hamburger needs to be cooked through and through to kill any bacteria and avoid the oh-so-glamorous vomiting fiesta associated with food poisoning.
Some classic (and not-so-classic) topping combinations I like:
- Sliced avocado, tomatoes, and pepperjack cheese
- Sauteed mushrooms with swiss cheese
- Thinly sliced apples and gorgonzola cheese (goes really well with the cinnamon and nutmeg mentioned above)
- Thinly sliced fried potatoes - think a mashup between French fries and potato chips, garnishing like slices of tomatoes
- Pesto and cheese
What is your favorite way to make the great American burger? What are your favorite toppings?
--Sparky
