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Mary and Max: Spaghetti Hamburgers

Feast of Starlight
A recipe for Max's spaghetti hamburgers inspired by the movie, Mary and Max.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • SEEDED PRETZEL BUN:
  • 8 oz / 226g / 1 cup - water 110F
  • 1 - envelope instant yeast
  • 1 oz / 28g / 2 tbsp - unsalted butter room temperature
  • 11.5 oz / 326g / 2 1/2 cup - bread flour
  • 1 tsp - salt
  • 1 tsp - granulated sugar
  • 5 cups - water
  • 1/3 cup - baking soda
  • assortment of seeds: sesame caraway, poppy
  • maldon
  • SPAGHETTI / SLOPPY JOE:
  • 8 oz - spaghetti pasta
  • 2 tbsp - olive oil
  • 1/2 - yellow onion small dice
  • 2 - cloves garlic minced
  • 1 - bell pepper small dice
  • 1/2 lb - ground beef
  • 1 tbsp - brown sugar
  • 2 - dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp - chili powder
  • 1/2 cup - ketchup
  • 1 cup - tomato puree
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • cayenne to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine the warm water and yeast in a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Mix together bread flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook. Add the yeast and water mixture and mix until hydrated. While mixing, add the soft butter and mix on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel for 1 hour at room temperature.
  • Preheat the oven to 400F.
  • After an hour, the dough should have doubled in size. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide the dough into 5 equal pieces. Take one piece of dough and fold the sides in towards the center. Flip is over so the seam is now on the bottom. Shape the dough into balls and set it on a lightly flour baking sheet, covered, for 15-20 minutes.
  • While the dough is resting, bring the water water to a boil and add the baking soda.
  • Carefully drop one or two of the rolls in the boiling water. Let it cook on one side for two minutes, then flip it over. Let it cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
  • Strain and place the roll on a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with seeds and maldon. Score the top of the serrated knife.
  • Bake the buns for 12 minutes pr until golden brown.
  • To create the sauce, heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  • Add the bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minute until brown.
  • Add the brown sugar, chili powder, worcestershire sauce, and cayenne. Cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add the tomato puree and ketchup. Mix to combine and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Taste for salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt and cook the pasta for 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with the sauce.
  • Split the buns in half top each one but the spaghetti. Serve hot.