Burger in a Bowl

My hubbie and I love a good burger but there are times when I get to the end of the day and fancy something just as indulgent  – without the breadyness of a bun. Sometimes I might replace the bun with a trusty thin but my latest obsession are these lovely Burger in a Bowls. Carb free and still lovely and filling, a nice, varied salad makes this dish just as interesting as a regular burger. The burger sauce is a lovely addition as it really makes you feel as if you’ve just popped down to Burger King!

This really is a simple recipe to make and can literally be ready in the time it takes to grill the burgers. I had the bowl on its own but if you are really hungry, you could always serve with some butternut squash chips.

POINTS AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Serves 2 – per serving = 10 points or 470 cals, 12.7g fat, 17.4g carbs, 69.7g protein

Ingredients

For the burgers

4 x lean beef burgers

Pinch of smoked paprika

4 x smoked bacon medallions, (fat removed)

160g salad leaves

12 cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/4 small red onion, finely sliced

2 tablespoons jalapeños

2 tablespoons sliced gherkins, plus extra for the top

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

40g light mature cheddar, thinly sliced

For the burger sauce

2 tbsp extra light mayo

1 tbsp reduced sugar and salt ketchup

1/2 tbsp American mustard

1 tsp white wine vinegar (or vinegar out of the gherkin jar)

1/4 tsp each garlic granules, onion powder and smoked paprika

Pinch cayenne pepper

Dash Worcestershire sauce

Method

1. Season the burgers with a little salt, black pepper and smoked paprika.
2. Preheat the oven or grill and cook the burgers according to the packet instructions. Put the bacon on the same tray and cook with the burgers until cooked to your liking (I like mine well done and almost crispy).
3. Pop the salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeños and sliced gherkins into a large bowl. Dress with the white wine vinegar, toss everything together, and split the salad between two bowls.
4. Mix all the burger sauce ingredients together.
5. Once the burgers are cooked through, add 10g of cheese to the top of each burger and pop back into the oven until the cheese has melted a little.
6. Remove the burgers from the oven. Put one burger on top of each bowl of salad, then top with the bacon and a little burger sauce. Repeat and continue stacking with the second burger and bacon slice, and then top with a final dollop of burger sauce. Finish with a gherkin on top for maximum fakeaway effect.