BEEF BURGERS WITH TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND BASIL

20 MINS

MAKES4

— 600g minced beef, at least 10 per cent fat — 1 small garlic clove, crushed

— 1 small bunch of basil, leaves picked

— 4 tbsp olive oil

— 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan

— 2 small balls of mozzarella (about 250g), thinly sliced

— 4 burger buns (brioche is good), halved and lightly toasted

— 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced

Put the mince in a bowl with a good grind of black pepper and knead well, for at least a minute or two. Divide and shape into four burgers.

Blend the garlic with the basil leaves and olive oil to form a smooth sauce, add the Parmesan and mix well. Alternatively, finely chop the basil and garlic and mix together with the oil and Parmesan. Season well to taste.

Preheat the grill to very hot or use a frying pan with a splash of neutral oil over a moderate to high heat.

When ready to cook, season the burgers generously with salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until crisp and brown on the outside but still a little pink in the centre.

Top each burger with some of the sliced mozzarella and return them under the grill to melt the cheese just a little – about 30-60 seconds should do.

Put the mozzarellatopped burgers into the buns, adding the sliced tomato and a good spoonful of the basil dressing, and serve immediately alongside the chips.