I get asked quite often why I like to cook. The first reason I give is normally because I like to eat. I am Thai and food is a big factor in our culture. We greet each other with hello followed by 'have you eaten? When guests turn up at your house it's safe to assume that they will expect to be fed.

The second reason is that as I grew up in the Northeastern part of Thailand, the poorest region, food was always hard to come by. We weren't hungry as there was always rice, but it was difficult finding something to go with rice. Now I do have ingredients to go with rice, I want to cook!

Tuesday, 12 April 2016

Chilli Burger.



Chilli Burger.

I love burgers especially the condiments that go with them. Burgers are great on their own but I can never leave them well alone and will actually spend more time making or sourcing the side dishes than the burgers themselves. 

In a large bowl, put in
-800g mince beef, 
-2 chopped shallots,
-1 clove chopped garlic,
-1tbsp chopped parsley,
-1 chopped chilli,
-salt/pepper,
-1tsp paprika
-1tsp cayenne pepper.
Mix gently to combine.

Divided into 8 equal portions and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cook under a hot grill, turning once.

     Tomato Sauce.
In a saucepan, fry
-2 shallots, 
-1 clove chopped garlic,
Cook, stirring until the vegetables have softened, add
-400g tinned tomatoes,
-salt/pepper,
-1tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Leave to simmer for 10-15 minutes out until the sauce has thickened.

    Crispy Onions.
In a saucepan, on medium heat, add
-200g vegetables oil.
Drop a strand of onion to test the oil, when ready add the 2 sliced onions all at once.
Deep fry until the onions turn crisp.
Drain well.

         Burger Buns.
Makes 8

In a bowl, put in
-200ml lukewarm milk,
-25g melted butter,
-2tbsp caster,
-2tsp dried yeast.
Whisk and leave aside.

In a large bowl, put in,
-450g strong white flour,
-1tsp salt.
Stir to combine.
Make a well in the centre. When the yeast is ready, add that to the flour mixture. Then put in,
-1 whisked egg.
Bring the mixture together with your hand. 
Tip on to a floured surface and knead for around 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Put dough in a greased bowl, cover with cling film, leave to prove in a warm place for 2 hours.

When ready,
Briefly knead the dough and divide into 8 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a rough 8cm disc
Place the buns on the prepared tin, about 2cm apart. Cover with oiled cling film and leave to prove for a further 2 hours.

Preheat the oven 190c fan forced.

Brush the buns with milk.
Bake 15-20 minutes.

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