English-Style American Hamburgers

This is my own take on a classic American dish. I substitute (English) muffins for burger buns and use real cheese instead of American cheese-substitute.

Ingredients (serves two)

• 250g (½ lb) lean minced beef
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 3 sticks of celery, sliced
• 4 slices (hand-sliced!) mature Cheddar
• 1 handful of chopped red onion
• 2 (English) muffins
• salt, pepper, olive oil

Method

Gently mix the beef, olive oil (about 1 tbsp), salt, pepper, and garlic in a bowl. Divide the mixture into two balls and press into patties. As with dough making, this is a sensual delight, so enjoy the experience.

Take a skillet of generous size and line it with olive oil. Place the pan on a high heat then add the patties when the oil is hot. You will need to turn the patties once, and be aware that the insides may not be cooked even if the surface is crisp — hence you should keep cooking for about five minutes after the outside seems done.

Prepare the muffins by cutting down the middle and thinly spreading Dijon mustard. Add the cooked patties followed by layers of cheese, red onions and celery. The celery will spill over onto the plate, this provides a little decoration. Now eat with your hands.