Broccoli, bacon and cheddar burgers

Calories per serving (2 burgers): 270

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Serves 2

Describing these as burgers might be stretching it a little, but they are absolutely packed with flavour and contain far fewer calories than a regular beef burger. They also work extremely well as a low-calorie brunch option, topped with a poached egg (1 large egg = 75 calories).

INGREDIENTS

– 1 small head of broccoli

– 35g fresh brown breadcrumbs

– 50g back bacon (excess fat trimmed off ), chopped into small pieces

– 1 small onion, finely diced

– 50g mature cheddar, grated

– a small handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

– 1 egg, whisked with a fork

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7. Line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, place the broccoli head in whole (it should be completely covered by the water) and cook for 3 minutes.

Take off the heat and immediately immerse in cold water. Pat dry with a tea towel and chop the broccoli up into small pieces, or pulse in a food processor. Place the chopped broccoli in a large bowl and add the breadcrumbs.

Heat up a frying pan, add the chopped bacon and onion, and fry for 2-3 minutes on a medium heat, until the bacon and onion are cooked but not browned.

Add the bacon and onion to the bowl, then add the cheese, parsley, egg, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands, combine all the ingredients, kneading everything together to make a burger-like mixture.

Divide the mixture into 4, form into burger patties and place on the lined tray. Bake for 20 minutes.