May 19, 2007: Mushroom Manwich

Three reasons why this meal was destined to appear on our table this week:

1. Vicious Ange's steak sandwiches with a very attractive garlic crème;

2. Lindyloo's mouthwatering mushroom sammich pics;

3. Paul and Freya's Burger Ballyhoo blog event!

One reason why you need to try them RIGHT NOW:

They're freakin' awesome. Washed down with an imported ale, this is posh pub grub in your own home with an unlimited supply of paper napkins to wipe that saucy grin off your face.

Here's the rundown on creating your own not-steak sandwich...

The 'steak'

Get yourself one or two massive portabello mushrooms per person. Brush both sides with a bit of balsamic vinegar, then oven bake or barbeque until tender, brushing occasionally with more balsamic. It'll take less than 15 minutes.

The sauce

Ange's garlic crème recipe over here. You only need a half quantity for 2-4 burgers. The fresh garlic gives it lots of bite: roast your own for a sweeter, wussier version.

The onions

Slow-cook onion rings (half an onion per person) on low heat for as long as you can resist eating them, at least half an hour. Splash a teensy bit of balsamic on and inhale those smoky fumes of caramelisation. Thank the Lord that the word caramel applies even to vegetables!

The bun

You know what you like - choose your own. We had ciabatta rolls.

The salad

Thick sliced tomato and green leaves of your choice.

The sides

More green leaves. Potato wedges, baked in a smidge of olive oil until tender, lightly salted. More garlic crème for dipping those wedges.

If you are crazy enough to have not yet left your seat to make your own manwich, then let me direct you to one more excellent burger/chip combo that will dance in your mouth like Aishwarya Rai: eastern vegetarian burgers with spiced potatoes.

Now go and get burgering!