Carolina “All The Way” Burger

Do you remember the very first time that you thought to yourself, “WOW!  That is the BEST thing I have ever tasted!” ?  
I have two memories like that and both occurred when I was a kid while visiting my grandparents farm in Lisbon, NC.  The first was when I tasted real pork bbq from the volunteer fireman’s fundraiser.  The second was when I tasted an “All The Way” burger from Melvin’s (formerly a pool hall) in Elizabethtown, NC.  It was a messy flavor explosion that I could not get enough of.  
A Carolina “All The Way” Burger is a burger with chili, slaw, onions, and mustard.  Wendy’s sells a version called the “Carolina Classic” in some areas [Source:  Burgerpedia].  But for me, the best ones are like the original, from a small mom and pop joint in rural North Carolina. This really isn’t a “recipe” as much as just how to put a Carolina burger together, but I’ll give you some links or ideas for the components.
Messy but good!

Carolina “All The Way” Burger
source:  Nibble Me This
serves: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to 450f.  Grill the burgers 3-4 minutes per side or until an internal temp of 165f.
  2. Remove and assemble burgers.  
  3. Top each patty with 3 Tbsp slaw, 3 Tbsp chili, 1 Tbsp onion and then mustard.  
  4. Top with the bun top and give it a “smash together” and enjoy. 

Burger Suggestion:  If you don’t have a favorite burger mix, try 1 lb of ground round mixed with 1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 egg.  Divide in 4 parts, roll each into a ball and form into a flat 4″ patty.

Coleslaw suggestion:  Chop 1/2 head of napa cabbage.  Add in 1 shredded carrot and 2 Tbsp finely diced onion.  Make a dressing of 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayo, 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp celery seed, salt and pepper to taste.  If you like horseradish, throw some of that in there too.  Mix thoroughly.

It’s hard to beat a burger over hot coals.
Smashing it together makes it easier to eat.

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