Dreaming of Vacation – Cuban Burger

Cuban Burger

I can't splurge on anything right now. That doesn't mean I can't dream.
The Habs are playing tonight. I need a quick meal, open the fridge, find ground beef and ham. I haven't got the cash to go to Cuba. So I will make a Cuban style burger instead.
Cuban cuisine is influenced by Spanish, Caribbean, and African sources.  Most main dishes are either beef or pork, sometimes both. My Cuban burger has both.
A good strong  beer, a good Cuban Burger, a Habs win make a perfect evening. Who needs Cuba.

Cuban Style Burgers (Indoor Version)

Serves: 4
Ingredients

• 1 lb medium ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup best quality mayonnaise (optional)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 4 soft, classic hamburger buns
• 4 slices of sliced smoked ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 dill pickles slices

1. Form the meat into four ¼-inch thick burgers. Season the meat with salt and pepper on both sides and fry for 2-3 minutes on both sides for medium doneness.
2. Spread both sides of each bun with mayonnaise and mustard. Place the cheese, ham, and pickle slices. Fry the burger with the bun on lower heat. Using a heavy pan press down on the burgers for about 2 minutes.
3. Flip and fry until cheese has melted.

N.B. This recipes takes a little practice to not burn the bun.