Or: why everything in the kitchen is now flattened.
Now we enjoy everything SMASHED! Because burgers and vegetables such as potatoes, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts are now simply flattened for a very special flavour experience. And why?
Flattening creates a larger surface area, which cooks faster in the hot pan or on the griddle and at the same time achieves maximum roasting flavours. Another plus is the effect on the texture. This is because the outside of the burger patty, for example, becomes nice and crispy, while the inside remains really juicy. Smashing speeds up the cooking process overall – a real time-saver, and not just in the catering industry.
So what is a SMASHED BURGER?
With smashed burgers, the minced meat is first pressed into a flat disc before being prepared on the grill or griddle. Important: the mince is not kneaded beforehand – this keeps it fluffier and makes it juicier.
During cooking, additional pressure is then applied to the patty, for example with a sturdy heat-resistant spatula. This cooks the meat even faster and creates the crispy crust.
The resulting roasted notes give the cooked burger more flavour, including a delicious smoky note and more intense seasoning. The bun, cheese, sauces and toppings are combined as usual to suit your taste.
SMASHED vegetables, an idea too?
Indeed, the same principle also works for vegetables of all kinds. Potatoes, Brussels sprouts etc. are briefly pre-cooked, flattened and then cooked further in the oven or pan with a little oil. The mouthfeel is a real surprise: potatoes, for example, become really crispy on the outside and almost creamy on the inside. Here too, the time factor is a big plus, as there is no need for time-consuming chopping of the vegetables. If you like things really lively and suitable for everyday use in the kitchen, the smashed trend is just what you need.
A justified hit: SMASHED cucumber salad
Even a super-trendy cucumber salad relies on smashing instead of slicing. The smashed cucumber salad has its origins in Asian cuisine and has been popular there for centuries, not just since the TikTok hype. Cucumbers are crushed like a clove of garlic and then broken up into bite-sized pieces with a knife or by hand. Crushing changes the texture of the cucumber and at the same time creates cracks that absorb the sauce and spices better.
SMASHED PUMPKIN for Halloween
For Halloween, we picked a pumpkin and realised: it’s a pretty tasty treat when the flattened pumpkin comes out of the oven. Add a tasty dip or a spicy sauce and you have a warm feast for the spooky festivities. Incidentally, this is also a great way to utilise vegetable cuttings and crooked plants that don’t meet the visual requirements in gastronomy.
Our verdict: a trend that we like. We say YES to smashing – at home and in the professional kitchen!