X Factor Burger (Recipe)

So from now until just before Christmas, Saturday and Sunday (and i heard a rumour that possibly Fridays too!) nights on ITV are taken over by The X Factor. I have to admit that I have not seen any of the new series yet, because since I had Netflix installed, I have been spending my nights catching up on various shows. However, I have seen many of the previous X Factor seasons and therefore I know how addictive the show is, and once you get sucked in and start to care about the contestants, then that is it until the final – you are hooked! it is very clever how that happens.

When we have watched the show previously,  my OH and i would always enjoy guessing from the outset who we thought would go on to win overall,  BUT we also liked to guess from the audition who was going to be a good or bad singer just from looking at them and, in some cases when they were interviewed by Dermot, from their life story. I have to say that the auditions are hilarious, aren’t they?

This year the judges line up has changed once again and it sees the return of Simon and Cheryl alongside regular Louis (who always says that the last series will be his last one!) and new judge Mel ‘Scary Spice’ B. In recognition of the new series of the X Factor, I thought it would be fun to create some food inspired by the show , which would be perfect to serve with friends on a Saturday evening while watching the programme.

I came up with an X Factor Burger – the burger which would hopefully win the judges over with its sheer taste and originality!!! The X Factor Burger (I could not think of a better name!) and the sides with which it is served,  sum up lots elements of the show and its judges. I will explain more and I tell you how I made it.

Serves 4

 The X Factor Burger contains a homemade Simon Cow-ell burger, which requires:
500g minced beef
2 tbsp caramalised onion chutney
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
seasoning – I used black pepper
1 tsp dried basil

Using your hands place all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, and squeeze and squash it all together to mix it and then make 4 beef patties. Place the patties on a plate, cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before cooking.

To cook grill or pan fry for approx 10 minutes on each side on a moderate heat, until cooked right through

Serve in ciabatta bread, with some green lettuce leaves at the bottom

Top with grated cheese – afterall the X factor is full of cheesey pop singing (or whining!) moments

and then add some homemade onion rings – afterall every X Factor episode has some tear jerking, sob story moment and onions make you cry!!

To make the onion rings you will need:
1 large onion sliced whole and split into rings
200ml sparkling water
dash of salt and black pepper
150ml wholemeal flour (white would also work)
sunflower oil for frying – approx 300ml

To make them:
Heat the oil in a deep pan carefully on the hob
Mix the flour, seasoning and mineral water in a bowl with a whisk.
Dip the onions rings in, and once the oil is hot enough carefully fry the onions in it for approx 5 minutes, turning over frequently.
Once cooked, drain on a piece of kitchen towel

Add some Cheryl style glamour and bling , sprinkle your onion rings with some gold edible shimmer

Of course every good burger needs to be served alongside some homemade chips, and this is where the Louis connection comes in – potato!

I simply peeled, sliced and cut the potatoes (enough for 2 adults and 2 children) into chip lengths and cooked them in the same oil as the onion rings. Drained well on some kitchen towel.

 Serve your X factor Burger, onion rings and chips with some Scary Spice-y Sauce – aka salsa dip.

It is the burger with the X factor!

It went down very well with my family – my OH especially loved the fact that I served him such a big burger with all the sides – it has been a while since I made homemade fried chips !! Even the boys enjoyed their Cow-ell beef burgers!!

What X Factor rituals do you and your family have if you watch the show?

I recieved a voucher for creating this recipe