How to Make the Ultimate Healthy Burger

We are reading and hearing more and more in this modern world in which we live about healthy eating and the dangers of junk food. Whether it be about too much salt, too much saturated fat, too few vitamins or whatever, somebody somewhere is criticising our eating habits on a daily basis.

Is this criticism justified? On the whole, I believe that yes, it is. It is my belief that by putting just a little bit more thought in to what we are eating and when, each one of us can improve our eating habits for the better, improve our overall health...and perhaps even save some money into the bargain!

This healthy burger recipe is therefore offered merely to show one way in which we can still eat similar foods to those which we so often crave, but at the same time, reduce the intake of harmful substances in to our bodies. I very much hope you like the look and sound of - and will try! - the recipe which now follows...

Ingredients (Makes 2 Burgers)

1/2lb (225g) ground or minced steak or beef

1 small white onion (finely chopped)

1 clove of garlic (finely chopped)

1 small red birds' eye chilli (de-seeded and finely chopped)

1/2 beaten small egg

6 slices of Red Leicester cheese

2 bread rolls

6 small lettuce leaves

6 slices of cucumber

6 slices of tomato

Some plain flour for dusting

1tbsp of sunflower oil for frying

2 fresh bread rolls for serving

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Unfortunately, there is no better implement for performing this task than the human hand, so get the sleeves rolled up and do the job properly. Split the mixture in to two halves and roll each in to a ball, flattening each carefully in to a burger shape. Dust them gently in some plain flour to help protect them during the initial stages of cooking.

Bring the sunflower up to a moderate heat in a large non-stick pan and fry the burgers at a low to moderate heat for 7 to 8 minutes each side, turning only once. Place one on the bottom half of each bread roll and cover with cheese. Melt cheese under a hot grill.

Add the tops to the bread rolls and serve with side salad.