Mealtime Magic: Salsa Burger and Fries

Who would have guessed that a burger and fries could taste this good and still be healthy?  The delicious patty really satisfies and the fresh salsa is a treat for the taste buds.

Serves 4

Ready in 40 minutes

4 large baking potatoes peeled and cut into ½ inch fries

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Low calorie cooking spray

1 3/4lb extra lean ground beef

4 oz very finely chopped onion

4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

4 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

4 whole-wheat buns

4 lettuce leaves and 4 slices of tomato

Grated carrot and shredded red cabbage, to serve

For the salsa:

3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped

½ small onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 tsp artificial sweetener

4 tbsp water

1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1-2 drops Tabasco sauce

1               Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.

2               Place the fries in a pan of lightly salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes.  Remove from the water and drain well on paper towels, then leave to dry for about 10 minutes.

3               Remove the water from the pan and return the fries to the dry pan, cover with a lid, and shake to roughen up the edges of the fries (this helps them to crisp up when you bake them).  Transfer to a nonstick roasting pan, spray with low-calorie cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

4               Meanwhile place all of the salsa ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and cook gently for 4-5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

5               To make the hamburgers, place the ground beef, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic in a bowl and, using your hands, combine thoroughly.  Season well, divide into four, and shape into patties.  Spray the burgers with low-calorie cooking spray, place under a hot broiler, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until done to your liking.  Remove and keep warm.

6               To assemble the hamburgers, split the buns in half and place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on top of each base.  Top with a burger and some of the salsa and serve immediately with the fries and some grated carrot and shredded red cabbage.

The Fast and Filling Family Food cookbook published by Slimming World features 50 recipes and is sold for $9.95.