Classic Barbecued Beef Burgers

When it comes to Summer and barbecue season you can't let it pass without making plenty of burgers as you can't beat a perfectly grilled, slightly charred burger enjoyed outside on a sunny day. We eat burgers quite a lot – they are just so versatile and make the perfect Saturday night feast (even in the winter!). You can change things up by varying what you put on your Burger but we always have to have cheese, lettuce, red onion and pickles! Special occasions call for sauteed mushrooms, bacon and occasionally spicy jalapenos and of course I can never resist some slices of fresh tomato. Finished off with some mayonnaise, mustard and tomato ketchup and you have the perfect finger-licking burger!

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove of garlic, crushed

500g lean minced beef

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

3 tbsp breadcrumbs

1 large egg

Salt & pepper

To serve: (use as much or little as you like)

4 Burger Buns

Cheese of your choice

Lettuce

Red Onion

Pickles

Tomatoes

Mayonnaise

Tomato Ketchup or BBQ Sauce*

Mustard

In a small pan heat the oil then sauté the onions for 5 minutes until they have softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once the onion and garlic have cooled put them in a large bowl with the mince, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well so that everything is completely combined (it’s best to use your hands for this), then divide the mixture into 4 equal sized pieces.

Line a large tray with greaseproof paper and shape each one into a ball. Place on the lined baking tray and press down with the palm of your hand until you have a large burger, roughly ¾ inch thick (alternatively if you have one use a burger press). Repeat so that you have 4 large burgers.

Pre-heat your barbecue to high (if using a gas or propane BBQ) then turn the heat down to medium. Carefully put the burgers on to the barbecue and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until sizzling, slightly charred on the edges and cooked through. Don't press down on them otherwise all the juices will come out and be lost in the flames, and try not to move them around or they will just stick. If using cheese, add the cheese for the last minute so that it gets nice and melted.

Remove the burgers and put on to a plate to rest for a few minutes. Grill the burger buns until lightly toasted then start assembling your burger with your favourite toppings and then enjoy with an ice cold beer!

*Occasionally we brush a little BBQ Sauce over the burgers before adding the cheese.