Burgers are one of my favorite comfort foods. When I am having a bad day, some ground beef and a cast iron pan is all that I need to lighten my mood. However, after watching Food Inc, I try to avoid fast food burger joints because the burgers are mediocre and you really do not know where that cow (or cows) has been. So I decided to make most of my burgers at home and since the Seattle area has plenty of farmers that I can buy meat directly from, I have wonderful options. If you can’t find a local farm that sells directly to the public, shopping at Whole Foods is a good option. Enough preaching, on to the recipe.
Ingredients:
- One pound of organic, grass fed beef
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- Two slices of cheddar cheese
- Two slices of onions
- One baguette, cut to size
Notes:
- The secret to “tender” burgers is not to manhandle the meat. Please treat your ground beef with care.
- The cooking times were for medium cooked burgers
Application:
Mix the ingredients together in medium stainless steel bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Heat cast iron pan on medium high heat until very hot. Gently form the ground beef into patties and place in pan for 2 1/2 minutes. Flip and place cheese on the cooked side and cover with lid for an additional two minutes. Place burger on toasted roll and enjoy.
I must say that I have not had a fast-food burger since I saw Food Inc. too. I’m not sure why so many people knowingly ingest such disgusting food. It’s appalling. As for the recipe…I love burgers! I like that you used a baguette instead of a traditional bun. Great twist.
PCC in Seattle also has quality grass-fed beef.
Your burger looks terrific. I agree with “the constant hunger”–love the idea of using a baguette!
Read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. He will tell you where the cows your meat comes from have been. Ira Glass did a special too, for this This American Life tv show.
Now that that’s out of the way…that burger does look good. The baguette is an interesting twist.
I love your photos and your narrative. You never cease to amaze me.
Great, now I have to go to the farmers market to buy ground beef and a baguette, all because of your beautiful picture.
Hey neighbor, where can I buy organic beef at farmers markets? Any vendor recommendation? Homemade burgers are the best. I’ve watched Food Inc too and it changed my attitude on meat. I’m also hosting an organic giveaway to give back to the community/environment. Feel free to stop by!
The Ballard Farmer’s Market, Eat Local in Queen Anne, or the West Seattle Farmer’s Market. Skagit Valley and Thundering Hooves are both vendors that I have enjoyed.
I love me a good burger too, despite reading nearly all of Michael Pollan’s books, watching Food Inc., the undercover PETA videos; what are you going to do?
I don’t eat them very often but they are one of my indulgences. If Americans just went vegetarian one day a week, just one day, that would result in a 14% decrease in consumption.
I’m an advocate for Meatless Mondays. It doesn’t always work, sometimes I spend my Wednesday doing Meatless Monday, but nevertheless I try and get at least one day in.