Wednesday Wind-down: Spicy Basil and Parmesan Burgers

One of my many hesitations about “Gourmet Burger” restaurants is that burgers are so simple to make at home for about a third of the price. In fairness, I don’t have three times the overheads of restaurants, while sometimes a Gourmet Burger dinner nicely hits the spot if I’m ambling around with a few friends. But by and large, if I’m going to spend money eating out, I prefer when it’s on that something I couldn’t whip up myself in all of ten minutes.

These “Spicy Basil and Parmesan Burgers” can hold their own against any “Gourmet Burger”. Not only do they make a juicy Wednesday supper, but they’ll also be perfect for the many barbeques we’re all bound to have during our inevitably amazing sunny summer. Right? A mouth-watering and very cheap eat, they also freeze very well. Enjoy!

Spicy Basil and Parmesan Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) minced beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 clove of garlic, mashed
• A handful of fresh basil, finely chopped
• About 30g grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or add a bit more if you like it hot!)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions

• Fry the onions and garlic in olive oil for about five minutes, stirring occasionally or until the onions are soft and translucent.
• Add the onions and garlic to the beef and throw in two thirds of the parmesan, along with all the basil and cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Shape into burgers and fry for about 10-15 minutes, turning once.
• Serve in a heated bun with whatever you fancy, such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions. Top with some more grated parmesan cheese.
• Serve alone or with home-made or oven chips. Home-made are sooo easy: just chop the potatoes (I leave the skin on if they’re organic as they’re free of chemicals) evenly, toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. Spread on a baking tray and cook in the oven on a high heat for about 30 minutes.