Take Out Style Burgers & Fries

The next time you’re craving take out, save yourself the trip and make these instead.  It’s surprisingly easy to replicate that classic fast food feel at home.  The key is thin patties, and a super hot pan to get a nice sear.  These are guaranteed to satisfy and you know exactly what’s in the food you’re eating.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chuck
• 4 slices american cheese
• sliced tomato
• green leaf lettuce
• 2 tbsp butter
• condiments of choice
• 2 burger buns
• 2 russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• salt & pepper

Method

1. Divide chuck into 4 equal balls and flatten into 1/4” thick patties, liberally season them with salt and pepper.
2. Heat cast iron skillet to high and melt in butter.  Add the burgers to the pan and cook for up to 2 minutes then flip.  After the flip, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Place buns in the skillet, cut side down until lightly toasted.
4. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and condiments of your choice.
5. To make the fries, peel the potatoes and cut them into fry size pieces. Soak the cut potatoes in ice water for an hour to remove excess starch. Heat oil to 325°F and cook fries for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove fries from oil and increase the heat to 375°F.  Place the fries back in the oil to finish cooking for about another minute or until golden brown.

*For an authentic fast food experience, wrap the burgers in wax paper before serving.