Gourmet burgers with blue cheese

Ingredients

2 slices Thick white Italian-style bread, crusts removed

1/3 cup Milk

1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

400g Lean beef mince

1 clove Garlic, crushed

Finely grated rind and juice of a lemon

1 cup Grated parmesan cheese

Chopped fresh basil

1 tsp Salt

Freshly ground pepper

Char-grilled slices of Italian bread, rocket leaves, roasted capsicum to serve

150g Wedge blue cheese

Tear bread into small pieces, place in a bowl, pour over the milk and olive oil.
Set aside for a few minutes or until bread absorbs most of the liquid. Mix with a fork.
Place the beef mince, garlic, lemon rind and juice, parmesan, chopped basil, salt and pepper in a large bowl, add the bread mixture. Using your hand bring the mixture together and knead until well combined. Shape the mixture into four burgers.
Brush burgers lightly with oil before cooking. Preheat the char-grill pan or barbecue grill to moderately hot before adding the burgers; they should sizzle when you place them on the heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turn them once only.
Serve burgers on char-grilled Italian bread that is topped with rocket and roasted capsicum. Dollop each burger with a slice of blue cheese.

Burgers should always be thoroughly cooked; they should not be served rare or pink. A good guide is to insert a skewer into the thickest part; if it is ready to eat the juices will be clear.