Double Smash Burger with burnt leek aioli
About
Prep Time:
20 minutes
cook time:
1.5–2 hours (incl. resting)
serves:
4 - 6
The hero of the table - a reverse-seared tomahawk finished with a melting sun-dried tomato and rosemary butter. This is the one to slow down for.
ingredients:
4 × 150g beef burger patties
4 slices sharp tasty cheddar
4 slices Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese
4 fresh brioche or potato buns, split
Butter, for toasting the buns
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Sliced pickles
Salt and pepper
Burnt Leek Aioli:
1 large leek, trimmed and halved lengthways
1 tbsp olive oil
1 egg yolk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
150ml neutral oil (grapeseed or light olive oil)
1 tsp lemon juice, plus more to taste
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
Salt, to taste
Preparation:
Make the aioli first: rub the leek halves with olive oil and char in a hot dry pan, on the grill, or under a broiler until deeply blackened on the cut side and softened through, about 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then scrape out the tender inside flesh, discarding any tough outer layers (a little char is good — that's the flavour).
Blitz or whisk the charred leek flesh with the egg yolk, Dijon and garlic. Slowly drizzle in the neutral oil while whisking constantly (or blending) until thickened into a glossy aioli. Season with lemon juice and salt to taste. Refrigerate until needed.
Divide the patty mince into 8 balls if you want extra-thin smash patties, or keep the 4 patties whole for a thicker single-stack burger — either works well with this box.
Heat a flat griddle or heavy pan over high heat until very hot. Butter and toast the cut sides of the buns until golden; set aside.
Place the patties on the hot griddle and, if smashing, press firmly flat with a spatula immediately for maximum surface crust. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, then immediately top with a slice each of cheddar and the second cheese so they melt together as the second side cooks, about 1–2 minutes more.
Spread burnt leek aioli generously on both cut sides of the toasted buns. Build the burger with lettuce, the double-cheese patty (stack two patties for a double), and pickles. Serve immediately!
