Mozzarella Burger Stack Food

MEGA MOZZARELLA-STUFFED BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4 or get your barbecue nice and hot!
• Wrap the red onion in kitchen foil and cook in the oven, or directly in the coals, for 2 hours until soft.
• When your onions have 30 minutes cooking time left, make your mayo: separate and whisk the egg yolk until fluffy, then gradually whisk in both the oils - a tiny bit at a time - until thick and emulsified (loosen with a little squeeze of lemon if it gets too thick).
• Season to perfection with a pinch of sea salt and a little more lemon juice. Pick the basil leaves into a pestle and mortar, bash until they make a paste and stir through the mayo.
• Season the mince to perfection and mix together well. Divide into 4 even-sized pieces and shape into flat patties. Cut the mozzarella in half and place on top of 2 of the patties. Place the remaining 2 patties on top and seal the edges firmly with your fingertips, so the mozzarella is encased inside, then gently shape into a neat burger.
• When the onions are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and mash with a fork, discarding the root. Drizzle over the balsamic vinegar, season to perfection and mix well.
• Get your BBQ or grill nice and hot. Add the burgers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly.
• Crisp up the mortadella on the grill bars, and shape into a circle with your tongs. Slice the buns and toast on the BBQ. Thickly slice the tomato.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon of the basil mayo over the bottom of the bun, add a slice of tomato, then a slice of mortadella and then some rocket. Top with the burger and a dollop of sticky balsamic onions. Pop the lid on and tuck in!

MOLTEN CHEESE-STUFFED BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion with a good pinch of salt for 15 mins until soft and translucent. Add the pancetta and cook for 5 mins more, then add the garlic and thyme, and cook for 2 mins. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 15 mins.
• Tip the mince into a large bowl. Massage with your hands for 5 mins to tenderise the meat, then add the cooled onion mix, the breadcrumbs and egg yolk. Season generously. Divide evenly into four, weighing for accuracy, if you like. Mix the cheddar and mozzarella together. Form the beef portions into patties, patting each into a 10cm round. Divide the cheese mixture into four, and, in your hands, form each portion into a firm ball, then press into a roughly 4cm disc. Working one at a time, put a cheese disc into the centre of a beef patty, then bring the meat around the cheese to cover. Lightly pat with the palm of your hand to flatten slightly, then chill, covered, for at least 30 mins or up to 48 hrs.
• Make the sauce by whizzing the mayonnaise, mustard and herbs together in a small food processor. Stir through the gherkins, then cover and chill until ready to use.
• Light the barbecue. When the flames have died down, grill the burgers on each side for 4-5 mins until charred (if you don't have a barbecue, see tip, below). Wrap individually in foil and leave on the barbecue for 5-7 mins so the cheese centre melts.
• Grill the buns, cut-side down, for 1-2 mins until toasted. Spread all the cut sides with the sauce, then fill with the beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes and crispy onions.