From a sizzling beef classic to a spicy bean veggie option or the newer quirky roast dinner burger, there is nothing better than indulging in this celebrated mealtime classic.
Melted in cheese, paired with rosemary and garlic buns, or sizzling with truffles, mouth-watering fillings come in many forms, varying country to country.
To celebrate this global foodie favourite, here are five fun burger facts you probably didn’t know.
Warning – this post is best read with a version of the delicious dish itself.
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- The term hamburger derives from the German city of Hamburg. In German “burg” translates to “castle”, providing this indulgent treat with its worthy, stately name.
- In 2003 animal rights group PETA offered the city of Hamburg $15,000 worth of vegetarian burgers for local schools if the city changed its name to Veggieburg. The offer was declined.
- One of the indicators The Economist uses to determine the purchasing power of a country is looking at how many Big Macs can be bought with $50 USD there. This is known as the Bic Mac index.
- The most expensive hamburger ever made is worth $5,000 and requires 48 hours’ notice to make. It is prepared by Juicys Foods and Ovations Foodservices in Corvallis, Oregon, and is the largest hamburger available commercially in the world, weighing in at 777 lb.
- Another expensive burger, though perhaps more refined, is the “Glamburger,” found in London’s Honky Tonk restaurant. Priced at $1,768, the burger includes black truffle, Kobe wagyu beef, lobster, beluga caviar, venison and a duck egg. It also includes an edible gold leaf, making it the most aesthetically pleasing and refined masterpiece in burger history.
If all this talk of burgers has left you feeling peckish, why not have a go at cooking one of our favorite recipes below? A light veggie black bean burger is the perfect healthy summer treat.
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Black bean burger
Ingredients (for 8)
2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup of diced mushrooms (cut into small pieces)
3/4 cup of chopped spinach
1 1/4 cup oats, coarsely ground
3/4 cup of chopped red onion
2 1/2 tbsp. of worcestershire sauce
4 tsp of cumin
6 cloves roasted garlic
8 bread rolls
Method:
1) Place all the black beans into a bowl. Using a fork, press them until they are all mashed.
2) Add in the mushrooms, oats and garlic.
3) Form into roughly eight patties, depending on how big you want your burgers.
4) Place the patties in the grill, on medium heat, for 12 minutes – 6 minutes on each side.
5) Voila – enjoy with our suggested extras below.
Extras
- Decorate your dishes with a green garden salad and a freshly cut avocado. The burgers also taste great with halloumi or goat cheese.
- No burger would be complete without a delicious, soft, bun. Head to your local bakery to pick out your favorite.
Tip: For those after something a little spicier, add a tbsp of chilli powder into the main mixture and top with pepper at the end.
