Mega Hamburger

Method

1. Prepare the barbecue sauce: finely chop 1 garlic clove (remove the central germ) and half of the onion. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan. Sauté the garlic and onion until golden. Add 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, a pinch of black pepper, and 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Let it reduce. Then add 4 tablespoons ketchup and 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce. Cook for a few minutes, then set aside.
2. Prepare the flavored mayonnaise: in a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon mustard. Set aside.
3. Prepare the remaining half of the onion: slice thinly and place in a bowl of cold water to remove its strong flavor and preserve sweetness. Set aside.
4. Slice the tomato into thin rounds.
5. Finely shred the ice lettuce and place it in cold water to keep it crisp.
6. Slice the fontina cheese into thin slices.
7. Slice the smoked pancetta into thin strips, removing the rind.
8. Form the beef patty: take 180g ground beef and shape it by hand into a patty about 1–2 cm thick, without using a mold. Ensure it has enough fat content to stay moist. Season one side with salt and pepper.
9. Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the patty (salt side up) and the pancetta strips into the pan. Cook the patty and pancetta. The pancetta cooks faster, so keep an eye on it. After a few minutes, place the cooked pancetta on top of the patty to let its flavours infuse. Flip the patty and season the other side. Press lightly with a spatula to allow juices to release. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until done.
10. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger bun halves on a separate hot griddle until golden.
11. When the patty is almost done, place the fontina slices on top, cover, and let the cheese melt.
12. Assemble the burger: spread the flavored mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Top with the shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Place the patty with melted cheese and pancetta on top. Add a few drops of Tabasco sauce over the bacon.
13. Reheat the remaining half onion briefly in the pan used for the patty and pancetta to absorb flavours. Place the sautéed onion on top of the bacon.
14. Drizzle some of the homemade barbecue sauce over the onion.
15. Spread additional barbecue sauce on the top bun (optional as shown in video). Close the burger with the top bun.
16. Serve immediately.