Once we’ve taken care of the bun, meat, pickles, cheese, salad leaves and sauces, then come ‘the other bits’. Tastes and preferences can vary greatly when it comes to these burger additions, so here’s a guide to help you choose which ones you most like.
–Pineapple: Ah, the old Hawaiian burger. Growing up, I was quite fond of this delight, sold at the local fish and chip shop. Back in those days, tinned rings of pineapple were de rigueur, but at Huxtaburger we use fresh pineapple that is cut daily.
Much like tomato, hot pineapple can be a turn-off for some. We cook our pineapple on the flat grill, which gives it a nice charred flavour, but if you prefer you can just add it fresh.
–Tomato: Tomato is one of those funny ingredients that can be a real polariser. Some like it hot, some like it cold, and others just plain don’t want it in there! We use regular vine-ripened tomatoes and slice them fresh every day.
–Beetroot: We Kiwis have a long history of liking sliced beetroot on our burgers – although it is yet another thing that Australians try to claim! The natural sweetness of the beetroot and piquancy of the vinegar it is pickled in is the perfect foil for the fattiness of the meat.
At Huxtaburger we make our own beetroot several times a week and offer it as an extra on all burgers. I certainly do have a soft spot for it myself!
–Egg: Another Antipodean favourite… I love the feeling of egg yolk running between my fingers, spilling out the side of a burger. When having an egg in a burger, the egg must be fried, and the yolk must be runny. Some like to serve an open burger so the egg can be on show; either way it’s all good to me.
Always buy free-range eggs and the best ones you can afford. Cook them in a non-stick frying pan with a little butter or olive oil, and make sure the pan is not too hot, as you don’t want the edges of the egg white to be crispy.