The Ultimate Trio
I abstain from fast food burgers for all good reasons,but making one from scratch at home with better ingredients and flavors is an absolute pleasure of good food.I stumbled through Bobby Flay's Burgers,Fries and Shakes by chance at the library,one look through the book,was tempted enough to take it home and fix up at least a few of the of the tastiest combination of flavors ,that might just change my taste for burgers.
Bobby presents some fantastic twists to classic burgers,uses flavorful relishes and condiments to further enhance the taste of the beloved fast food.In addition the books had some tasty fries and refreshing shakes,to along for a completely satisfying meal.
Among the grilling guru's crafted tastiest recipes,the leaner seafood variety of Salmon and tuna burgers suited my palate perfectly.Although I did not completely stick with the original recipe,a lover of spices,had to add some more of the spicy ingredients and touch of greens to the burger.Also for the fries,shallow frying worked out well.The buns can definitely be store bought,since I never seem to find the right size hearty buns for my burgers,I choose to bake my own,even though it was 94F outside.On brighter side the steamy kitchen did quickened the rise of yeast in dough.The buns baked while the burgers cooked.The fries needed a close eye,the thin cut plantain can burn easily if ignored.
Recipe : Sesame Burger Buns
Make 3 large burger buns
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup of Warm water
2 teaspoon of sugar
2 teaspoon active dry yeast or 1 packet(1/4 ounce) of quick rise yeast
Method
Make the Dough
In warm water mix in the dry yeast and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes,until it gets frothy.
In a bowl combine the flours,oil,seeds(reserve few sesame seeds for topping the buns) ,salt along with the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough is tacky but not sticky and place in a greased bowl and cover. Allow to rise for an hour until double its size.
Shape and proof the buns
Get the dough out of the bowl,sprinkle some all purpose flour on the work surface and knead the dough for few seconds and divide in to about 3 portions. Set on a cookie sheet and finish shaping the remaining buns,place them about 1/2 inch apart from each other,sprinkle some sesame seeds on each of the buns. Cover with wrap and allow to rise for another hour.
Bake the Buns
Preheat Oven to 450F. Bake for about 18-20 minutes until crust turns lightly brown. Let cool on rack,Slice using a serrated knife. Assemble the buns with choicest veggies and greens .
Recipe: Tuna Burger,adapted from Bobby Flay's Burgers,Fries and Shakes
Serves 3
Ingredients
For the burger
1 pound fresh Tuna
2 green onions(green and pale green parts),thinly sliced
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove,finely minced
1/2 inch piece of ginger root,finely minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot chili powder
1/4 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander powder
few leaves fresh mint,finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 whole grain sesame burger buns(as in the above recipe),split;toasted,if desired.
For the Pineapple Relish
1 cup pineapple,finely chopped
1 dill pickle,finely diced
1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
3 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
few tender kale leaves and baby kale for topping (or use other leafy green of choice)
Method
To make the relish,combine the pineapple,pickles,onions,lime juice,honey,cilantro and oil in medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors meld.
To make the Burger,cut the tuna in to large pieces and than coarsely chop in a food processor.Do not over process(or you can chop it by hand with a sharp knife)
Whisk together the mustard,dry spices,ginger,garlic and salt in a large mixing bowl.Add the tuna and green onions and gently fold to combine.Divide the tuna mixture in to 3 equal portions(about 5 ounces each).Form each portion loosely in to a 3/4 inch thick burger.Place on a plate,cover and let chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
To cook the burgers,heat the oil in a saute pan or griddle(non-stick or cast iron) until begins to shimmer.Cook the burger until golden brown on the bottom sides,about 3 minutes.
To assemble the burger,burger on the sesame bun with kale leave,top with relish and fresh baby greens.Serve immediately with the plantain fries and milk shake.
Recipe: Plantain Fries,adapted from Bobby Flay's Burgers,Fries and Shakes
Ingredients
2 green plantains
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grate lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot chili powder
2 tablespoon peanut oil
Method
Stir together the salt,lemon zest and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
Heat oil in a medium cast iron pan over medium heat.While the oil heats up,peel the plantains using a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom ends then peel the green skin off.Cut the plain in to 3,halve each of the three pieces in to thin slices.Now cut each strip lenghtwise in to about 1/8-inch-thick fries.
Shallow fry in batches,turning frequently,until golden brown,about 2-3 minutes.Remove using a slotted spoon on to a plate line with paper towels and season immediately with the salt mixture.Serve hot.
Recipe:Berry Milkshake
Ingredients
2 cups Frozen berries
2 cups skimmed milk
1 cup fat-free frozen yogurt
2 tablespoon Agave nectar
Method
Combine the milk and berry in a blender and blend for 10 seconds.Add the frozen yogurt and blend until smooth,about 30 seconds.Serve immediately,garnish with fresh strawberries,if desired.
My tough take on the ultimate trio from the scratch - warm toasty buns with a juicy burger and sweet tangy relish,crispy fries and an icy fruity shake,was a sure comforting end of a sizzling hot summer day.
I'm submitting the recipe to Yeast Spotting.
