HIDDEN TREASURE BURGERS

Who doesn't love hamburgers, right?

Even folks like us who love cooking will occasionally slip into a fast food joint and indulge in a Whopper or a Big Mac. With fries. But nothing can compare, burger-wise, to the ones you make at home. Especially these. Because inside these luscious burgers is a hidden ingredient that will make them even more luscious. CHEESE! If you're a true gourmand, you might crumble some Stilton onto the flattened half patty. Or maybe some grated Gruyere. Or, you might just grab whatever cheese happens to be in the fridge, like Cheddar or Monterey Jack. I can promise you it will till be delicious, whatever cheese you choose. For instructions, keep reading...

INGREDIENTS (enough for 3 juicy burgers)

500g quality minced beef

1 egg, beaten

handful Panko crumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red onion, minced

freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp vegetable oil

50g your choice of cheese, crumbled or grated

Hamburger buns

METHOD

1.In a large bowl, place all ingredients except the cheese and oil, and mix with your (clean) hands.

2. Shape the mixture into three large balls.

3. Divide each ball in half and flatten onto greaseproof paper.

4. Sprinkle cheese over each half patty.

5. Place the other half patty on top and sandwich together pressing edges together with fingertips to seal.

6. Heat the oil in a (preferably) cast iron frying pan until it's sizzling.

7. Gently lower the patties into the pan and fry each side for about 5 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

8. (Hamburger buns can be warmed in the oven while you're doing this.)

9. Assemble your burgers using your favourite sauces and salad stuff (see pics for suggestions)

10. Tuck in!