Recently a friend of mine, Belinda, invited me to lunch. I was told in advance that I would be having beef burgers and that this recipe was simply divine. And I have to say that Belinda was right, it was the nicest burger I have had in a long time.

On top of being the tastiest burger, Belinda avowed that they were the simplest to make with the minimum of ingredients. On asking if she’d share the recipe she said she would however, I had to wait a while!! I know Belinda will say I was just being impatient and she’s probably right but when I eat something that really hits the spot I absolutely need to know how it was put together.

Anyway Belinda did share and here it is ;O) Thanks, B

Ingredients:

• 350g/12oz very lean beef minced
• 1 onion finely chopped or grated
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and some freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
• Some olive oil for frying

Method:

Combine the beef, onion, garlic, thyme and Parmesan in a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper. Make sure not to over work the beef when combining the ingredients because it will make the burgers too tough.

Divide the mixture into four and mould each piece into a burger shape. Put the burgers on a plate, cover and place in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavours to infuse.

Once chilled, heat the oil in a frying pan until hot, add the burgers and cook over a medium to high heat until brown, turning once. I transferred the burgers to an ovenproof dish, covered with tin foil and placed in an oven set to 180c/350f/gas 4 for about 10 to15 minutes. I like to do this as I think it keeps the burgers nice and juicy. However, you can just cook them in total on the hob if you like.

I find beef burgers quite filling so I usually avoid burger buns and eat them in a wheaten pitta with rocket, a slice of beef tomato and Marie Rose sauce. Delicious!