Food-and-beer pairing: Homemade burger with ale

MANILA, Philippines — You can always gather with friends, colleagues and family to share one more round of beer together, even after Oktoberfest. You’ve had rounds of lager, pilsner and stout together, so it’s your ale round.

Ales may be some of the more robust and complex beers with their distinct fruitiness, acidity and bitterness. They are also some of the darker beers, ranging from gold to a somewhat amber shade, said Electrolux Philippines.

Ales, due to their variety, would go well with a wide range of food, but they really pair well with burgers, and you can make your own burgers to enjoy with your ale.

The Perfect Burger

INGREDIENTS:

454 grams lean ground beef

Salt to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Onion powder to taste

Vegetable oil

6 pcs. hamburger buns

6 slices cheese

Lettuce

Sliced tomatoes

Caramelized onions (optional)

PROCEDURE:

1. Put your lean ground beef in a big mixing bowl. Carefully use your fingers to mix in salt, ground pepper and onion powder. Don’t knead, mangle, or squeeze. Keep the meat fluffy and loose.

2. Form beef into loosely packed patties. Gently pat each handful into a ball and make a dent in the middle of each burger patty.

3. Grill on a well-oiled grill or pan. Don’t press on your burgers or you’ll lose the juiciness of the burger to the pan. Flip burger a couple of times to cook the other side.

4. Add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and enjoy with your ale.

*Makes 6 servings.

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