The Weekender Burger

I’m very much a firm believer in working hard and making the most of the time I’ve got available. Yet with great responsibility, there’s an added need to occasionally reward yourself too and to do so in the right way! 

Many people believe that as it’s the weekend, the best way to enjoy it, “food-wise” is to get a takeaway from the local chippy, however the recipe I’m bringing you today, I believe is even more enjoyable (especially for the taste buds!) and a lot cheaper too! 

Yes it’s a little on the unhealthy side, but if you eat right almost every day over a long enough period, it’s important to treat yourself too. You’ll be much better for it in the long run and this burger is, in my opinion, the perfect reward for a tough week! I’ve named it as The Weekender Burger but to be honest, it’s an enjoyable treat on any day of the week 🙂

Serves 2   |   30 Minutes

The homemade relish can be made in advance which will save you some time. The recipe can be found here, originally for the ‘Za’atar Chicken Thighs’ but perfect for burgers too. The burgers take the longest, along with the mixed fries, the rest is fried and assembled as the photo suggests. 

2 x Seeded Buns
4 x Aberdeen Angus Beef Steak Burgers
4 x Rashers of Smoked Streaky Bacon
Gherkins
1 x Red Onion  (sliced as rings)
Iceberg Lettuce
Sweet Tomato Relish (recipe here)
Barbecue Sauce

For the Mixed Fries
1 x Sweet Potato  (peeled & thinly/evenly sliced)
2 x White Potatoes  (peeled & thinly/evenly sliced)
Vegetable Oil
Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper

1. Heat a griddle pan on a medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot. At the same time, pre-heat the oven to 200C (fan-assisted). Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly on greaseproof paper and add the oil and seasoning and place in the oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway. 
Note:  Sometimes, the sweet potato can cook faster so keep an eye on them and maybe remove them sooner than the white potatoes, if necessary. 

2. Add the burgers to the griddle pan and press down slightly. Reduce the heat to medium so that they cook evenly and don’t burn on the top. Cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. 

3. After 10 minutes of cooking the burgers, heat a separate frying pan on the hob on a medium-high heat and add some oil. Add the onions until softened, then remove. Increase the heat on the frying pan and add the bacon, cook until crispy (usually 5 minutes), then remove. 

4. Lightly toast the top and bottom of the seeded buns and arrange the ingredients, as shown in the photograph  (Bottom Bun, Relish, Lettuce, Burger, Barbecue Sauce, Bacon, Relish, Burger, Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, Red Onions & Gherkins, Top Bun). 
Note:  You will need a long skewer to hold everything in place + lots of kitchen roll!

Serve with the mixed fries and a chilled beer/cider