FOOD

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BE A MEAT CHEAT!

Henry Firth and Ian Theasby – the lifelong friends behind huge vegan brand BOSH! – are back with a new cookbook, serving up more tasty and earth-friendly dishes

BBQ SMASH BURGERS

Makes 4 mega burgers or 8 regular burgers Takes 40-45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 4 echalion (banana) shallots

• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing your hands

• Sea salt and black pepper

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 600g/1lb 5oz plant-based mince

• 50g/2oz breadcrumbs

• 50g/2oz barbecue sauce

For the burgers

• 4-8 plant-based brioche buns

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 romaine lettuce

• 1 beef tomato (or large tomato)

• 4 tbsp plant-based mayonnaise

• 4 tbsp barbecue sauce

• 4-8 plant-based cheese slices

• Crispy fried onions

1. Peel and finely dice the shallots. Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the shallots and a pinch of salt. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the brown sugar to the pan and cook for a further 3-4 minutes until the shallots have caramelised. Once cooked, take the pan off the heat, spoon the shallots into a bowl and leave to cool for a few minutes. To the bowl, add the plant-based mince, breadcrumbs and barbecue sauce and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4 and line a baking tray with baking parchment.

3. To shape the patties, lightly oil your hands and shape the mixture into 4 plump patties or 8 smaller ones. Set the patties out on the prepared baking tray and “smash” them with the base of a wide, flatbottomed glass – if needed, you can shape the sides neatly using your hands. Cook in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.