Homemade Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries

You’ve probably noticed by now that Alex and I really like burgers.  In fact, before I embarked upon my vegetarian years, bacon cheeseburgers were my favorite food.  Ironic, no?

At any rate, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, can agree that burgers and fries are quintessential American food.  Whether it’s an all beef patty or a veggie burger, they’re speedy, tasty, and all-American.  These days I favor local, organic grass-fed beef because it’s better for me and for the environment.  It’s a win-win!

Last week, when discussing dinner, Alex requested that if I make burgers to not “over cook them”.  He had a valid point.  You see, I’m very nervous about serving undercooked meat so I tend to go to the other extreme resulting in dry, tasteless burgers.  So I accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion!

These burgers were fantastic!  The meat was moist, juicy, and flavorful.  To complete the meal, I buttered and toasted store-bought buns and prepared sweet potato fries.  All in all, it was a classic American meal with a healthy twist! 

Homemade Burgers
(makes four burgers)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean, grass-fed ground beef
• 1/2 caesar seasonings packet
• 1/2 beaten egg
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.  Mix with your hands to evenly distribute the seasonings.  Get your hands a little dirty!
3. Form four compact patties.
4. Cook on grill until they reach desired level of doneness.  I cooked ours for about 4 minutes per side.

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes, poke them with a fork, and microwave them for about 3 minutes.  This will make it easier to cut them.
3. Once the sweet potatoes have cooled, cut them into long thin strips.
4. Spread the sweet potatoes into a roasting pan and cover in olive oil.  Sprinkle seasonings over top.  Stir or shake the pan to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. Cook for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

What’s your favorite kind of burger?

Advertisements