Honestly – it’s Gluten-Free: Friday Night Dinner at Honest Burger

It sounds silly, but one of the things I miss most about being a gluten and wheat eater is a good old fashioned burger. Lashings of mayo, maybe a gherkin or two, a deliciously pink-in-the-middle beef patty… Oh and maybe a nice cold beer to wash it all down. Since starting my gluten-free adventure, I dream about proper burgers. I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I’ve had to plump for the ‘skinny’ burger – a burger without a bun and a side salad – because there’s no gluten-free option on the menu.

So, all hail London’s Honest Burger, who now not only serve gluten-free burgers in gluten-free buns, but all of their sides are gluten-free. Not to mention, they also stock Estrella Daura gluten-free beer (which I reviewed here last month). Honest Burger is basically a gluten-free burger lover’s paradise. Our very helpful server at the Market Place branch answered all of my questions when my boyfriend and I stopped by late on Friday night and didn’t laugh at me when I positively squealed with delight at the thought of gluten-free onion rings.

Now, I was lucky enough to enjoy Honest in the old pre-gluten-free days – so I am aware just how delicious their signature brioche bun tastes, but I had high hopes for the gluten-free version and I wasn’t disappointed. I went for the Honest Cheese Burger, served with red onion relish, lettuce, mature cheddar and a side of triple-cooked rosemary chips, which are heavenly.

 

Verdict:

The gluten-free bun doesn’t have the high shine of the brioche, so it doesn’t look the same, but it’s soft and light as air. It’s served lightly toasted and unlike other free-from brands, holds together well, which is essential when eating with your hands! All Honest Burgers are served medium/pink (unless otherwise requested) and mine was juicy, fat and cooked to perfection. My boyfriend wasn’t convinced he’d be trading his brioche bun for my gluten-free option anytime soon, but I couldn’t have been happier. My only quibble – that I didn’t didn’t have enough room to try the delicious looking onion rings.

So will I go back? Most definitely – why have a ‘skinny’ burger, when you can have an Honest Burger?

Something For The Weekend

Hooray! The end of the working week is nigh – the weekend is almost here – which means one thing:

In order to celebrate the imminent weekend and Coeliac Awareness Week which draws to a close on Sunday, let’s talk the perfect lazy gluten-free brunch.

1. Gluten-free American-style pancakes

These bad boys are super quick and easy to make, even if you’re nursing a slight hangover from the night before! I use Doves Farm self raising flour for this recipe, which works a treat. Go for classic pancakes or change it up and experiment with banana or spiced apple in the batter for little surprise pockets of fruity goodness!

Top tip: If you want to make the batter the night before, add the baking powder just before you’re ready to get cooking, if you don’t it’ll start doing its thing straight away.

2. Roasted vegetable and halloumi frittata

A real favourite in my house and perfect if you’re entertaining the masses. I love hiding deliciously salty halloumi cheese among the roasted veggies, but other cheeses such as mozzarella or feta would work just as well. Don’t do dairy? Slice some spicy chorizo into the mix for a little bit of heat or some smoked salmon if you feel like pushing the boat out.

Top tip: This colourful dish is yummy hot or cold. Perfect for a lazy brunch or a picnic in the park.

 

3. The Full English Breakfast

Don’t be fooled by its moniker, the Full English can be eaten at any time of day. A greasy spoon classic, this beast of a breakfast can be given a gluten-free makeover to suit your needs. I love Black Farmer’s premium pork sausages – great quality and super porky. And in place of bubble and squeak cakes, if you don’t have the time to make them, Birds Eye potato waffles are a worthy substitute and 100% gluten-free. Like brown sauce instead of Ketchup? Remember, HP and Daddies sauces aren’t gluten-free, so invest in a bottle of Tiger-Tiger brown sauce to give your fry-up a kick.

Top tip: Best served with a tea in your favourite mug. And make a pot – you’ll want a second cup – it’s the weekend, why not?