Burgers may be a Western creation, but we sure love them here in SA too! Go gourmet with these maple bacon beef burgers with Camembert.

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 50 min

INGREDIENTS
For the beef patties
500 g beef mince
1 tbsp breadcrumbs
2 tsp dried thyme
For the maple bacon
400 g streaky bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 tsp paprika
2 cups apple juice
½ cup maple syrup
To assemble
4 burger buns, halved and toasted
1 cup baby spinach
1 wheel Camembert, sliced

METHOD
For the beef patties
1. Using your hands, combine all the patty ingredients and divide into 4 pieces. Mould each one into a 3 cm thick burger patty.
2. Heat some oil over high heat and cook the burgers for 5 minutes on each side. Lower the heat, season, cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
For the maple bacon
1. Fry the bacon over high heat for 5 minutes, until crispy. Lower the heat, and add the garlic and paprika. Fry for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the pan with the apple juice. Add the maple syrup and reduce at a simmer for 15 minutes.
To assemble
1. Top the bottom half of the buns with baby spinach, followed by a beef patty and a slice of Camembert. Finish with a drizzling of maple bacon.

Recipe & styling: Amerae Vercueil
Photography: Samantha Pinto // HMimages.co.za

Wondering what else you can do with your maple bacon? Top your pork chops with it and some Cheddar for a delicious braai treat.