Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger

Difficulty: Intermediate · Prep: 2 hrs · Cook: 20 mins · Total: 2 hrs 20 mins · Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients for Roosterkoek

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

1 packet (7g) instant yeast

1 ½ cups warm water

Ingredients for South African Burger Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp tomato sauce

1 tbsp Mrs Ball's chutneyor similar fruit chutney

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp paprika

1 ½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp peri-peri sauce adjust to taste for heat

1 small garlic clovefinley minced

1 tsp lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Burgers

1 kg ground beef(80% lean, 20% fat for juicy burgers)

salt and black pepper to taste

Your Favourite Awesome Spice to taste(eg. Sweet and Smoky or Signature Braai Spice)

8 slices cheddar cheese(or your favourite cheese)

oil for grilling

Directions

Prepare the Roosterkoek

In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, mixing to form a sticky dough.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 1

Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 2

Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 3

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into discs about 1cm thick. Cover and let the dough rise again slightly.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 4

Grill over medium-hot coals on a grid, turning frequently, until puffed and golden brown (about 8–10 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 5

Make the South African Burger Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tomato sauce, Mrs. Ball's Chutney, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, peri-peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 6

Stir until smooth and adjust the seasoning to taste. For a spicier sauce, add more peri-peri sauce.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 7

Make the Burger Patties

In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and your choice of Oz Braai Awesome spice. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the roosterkoek, as they'll shrink during cooking.

Heat your charcoal or wood to medium-high heat, ensuring the coals are glowing red and producing an even heat. Brush the patties lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavour. Place the patties on the grid and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping carefully to ensure even cooking.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 9

Assemble the Burgers

Slice each roosterkoek in half horizontally to create a bun

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 10

Layer the bottom half with lettuce, tomato, a burger patty, onion, pickles, and the Burger Sauce.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 11

Top with the other half of the roosterkoek.

Roosterkoek Cheeseburgers: A South African Twist on the Classic Burger: step 12