Healthy opponent in burger non-bun fight

TV chef Michael van de Elzen with his Double Up burger. Photo / Jason Dorday

A top chef charged with transforming New Zealand's fast food obsession has created a healthy version of KFC's controversial Double Down.

Michael van de Elzen took up the Herald on Sunday's challenge to cook a nutritious alternative to the calorie-packed, breadless burger as he prepared for his new show on TVOne.

After creating wholesome variations of burgers, steak pies and hot dogs for his series The Food Truck, the Auckland restaurateur said it was one of the toughest fast foods to make appealing.

"The Double Down is such an unhealthy thing and that's why people love it."

Van de Elzen came up with the Double Up - chicken thighs, mozzarella cheese, thyme-flavoured breadcrumbs, pancetta, and a smoked chilli and apple coleslaw.

His recipe received a tick of approval from Heart Foundation national programme manager Andrea Bidois.

"If you're a 'burger fiend', making a healthy, homemade option that stays away from too much fat and salt is the best way to have what you want while staying healthy," she said.

KFC removes the mega-selling $7.90 Double Down from menus tomorrow - a move van de Elzen applauded.

"It's a gimmick," he said.

Van de Elzen aims to bring fast, healthy food to the masses in his series that premieres tonight.

He spent months tinkering with recipes to come up with low-cost, low-fat alternatives he cooked and sold from a 1970s Bedford van.

But he doesn't want to be seen as the food police.

"We are not portraying fast food as bad. It's a treat to go out and have McDonald's."

Van de Elzen is owner and head chef of Liquid Molten in Mt Eden. He previously worked in London for restaurant magnate Terence Conran and UK MasterChef judge John Torode.

The Food Truck, TVOne, 7pm, tonight