Double Cheeseburger

Description:

When you think of American food, the first thing that comes to mind is likely hamburgers. The origins of this iconic food are relatively unknown, but the only thing that is for certain is that an early version of this food found itself featured at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. This food was first popularized by the White Castle restaurant chain in 1921, followed later by more well known chains such as McDonald’s which brought the burger international recognition and popularity. Different parts of the US have their own regional burger specialties, even including versions made from wild game or plant-based ingredients. The main “styles” of burger that can be found are the following:

• Steakhouse: thick burger patty, usually cooked on a grill

• Smash Burger: very thin patties cooked on flat top

• Restaurant/fast-food style: a hybrid between the steak house and smash burger, cooked on either a flat top or grill

The below recipe is for a double smash burger, which can most easily be made at home in a cast-iron pan.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef, 80% lean, 20% fat (225 g)

• 1 hamburger bun

• 2 slices American cheese

• 1 tsp vegetable oil (5 ml)

• Salt & pepper

Preparation:

Roll the ground beef into 2 separate balls. Heat a cast iron pan over high heat and add the oil. Once the pan is hot, add the beef and use the back of a spatula to press the beef down into the pan evenly, then season the top with salt & pepper. Allow the beef to cook for 1-2 minutes until a brown crust forms on the bottom, then flip. Season the other side of the patty with salt & pepper, then lay a piece of American cheese over top. Cook another 1-2 until cheese is melted. Then place both patties inside the bun and serve imemdiately.

Notes:

• You can add additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup and more.