Pork and apple burgers with chili sauce
Hamburgers are always popular for casual meals, but can be high in saturated fat. This lighter version, made with lean ground pork, apples and scallions is just as flavoursome. Spread with a little sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick.
300 grams (2⁄3 lb) lean ground pork
2 small green apples, cored and grated
4 slices whole wheat bread with the crusts removed, made into crumbs
4 scallions, very finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
30 grams (1 oz) fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme pinch of cayenne pepper
8 romaine lettuce leaves, halved
1⁄2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
4 soft white bread rolls, split
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
1.Put the pork, apples, breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, ginger, thyme and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Mix and squeeze together.
2.Shape the mixture into four balls, then press into flat patties about 10 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm thick. Preheat the broiler and set the shelf to the lowest position.
3.Place the patties on a sheet of foil on the grill tray. Grill until golden brown and cooked through, turning once.
4.Divide the lettuce leaves and cucumber slices among the bun bases. Place the patties on top, then spread with 1 teaspoon of the chili sauce. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.
Cook’s tip• The pork patties can be shaped up to a day in advance and chilled until required. Remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before you want to cook them. Raw patties can also be frozen.
Variation• Using bottled chili sauce is a quick option, but it doesn’t take long to make your own. Put 1 thinly sliced red chili in a small pot with 2 teaspoons arrowroot. Slowly stir in 1⁄3 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar and 2 teaspoons fish sauce, stirring to blend. Put the pan over a high heat and bring to a boil, stirring until thickened. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
Serves 4
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Each serving
25 g protein • 9 g fat of which 2.5 g saturates • 58.5 g carbohydrate • 7 g fibre • 430 Calories
