Cheese Stuffed Masala Spiced Burgers

Sometimes, a craving for a particular food comes. And when it comes, it comes HARD.
For Friday night, it was for a burger.

It was probably the effect for running around at the Botanic Gardens! So, not wanting to (ultimately) waste the healthy routine, it had to be homemade burgers (just so we know what went in it!)

Makes 2 HUGE burgers

500g 5 star lean beef mince
1/2 brown onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp whole cumin seeds
garam masala, paprika, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt and pepper (to taste)
1 egg
2 handfuls grated cheddar cheese
a couple of handfuls of breadcrumbs

burger condiments : vine tomato, spanish onion, mild mustard, whole mustard seeds, tomato ketchup, spinach leaves, gerkins, or whatever you fancy
burger buns (I used multigrain buns)

Pre-heat oven (grill setting) to 220C. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.

Start by softening the onions, garlic and cumin seeds in a bit of olive oil. When onions are translucent, set aside and let cool.

In a mixing bowl, dump mince, spice powders (you just want a hint of spice so not too much of each!), egg, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, the cooled garlic and onion mixture...and there is no other way to mix this but by using your hands.

Shape into 2 patties. Make a hole in the center and add the grated cheese, then cover with the mince and reshape into patties again.

Place the patties on the foil-lined baking tray and pop into the oven, 10 min each side should do the trick!

When done, assemble your burger :
Slice buns into two (toast if you prefer), add spinach, a slice of tomato, a couple of slices of spanish onion, sliced gerkins, (i also used sliced sweet red chili!) topped with a dollop of tomato ketchup and whole mustard seeds.

with a bit of the cheese oozing from the inside!