Tuscan Pork Smash Burger Recipes

TUSCAN-STYLE BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat. Place a large heatproof skillet on the grill (alternatively, you can use a stovetop over medium heat). Place 4 cazuelas on the grill for a few minutes.
• For the mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in the large heatproof skillet until it begins to shimmer. Add the mushrooms and some salt and pepper and cook, stirring just a few times, until they release their liquid and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• For the burgers: Combine the ground beef and pork together in a large bowl, being careful not to overmix. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Shape each portion with your hands into a round patty, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Use your thumb to make a divot in the center of each burger. Sprinkle both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
• Add enough olive oil to each cazuela to thinly coat the bottom and sides. Carefully place each patty, divot-side up, inside each cazuela. Combine the fennel, paprika and some salt and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle over top of each burger. Grill, covered, until charred and completely cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• While the burgers cook, toast the buns on the grill until lightly charred, 10 to 15 seconds. Set aside.
• Add the cheese to the tops of the burgers. Cover the burgers with the grill lid, large domed lid or large metal bowl and count to 10 until the cheese is melted.
• Top each burger with a large spoonful of the mushrooms. Place the burgers on the bottom buns. Top with the ketchup, oregano and top buns and serve immediately.

SMASH BURGERS

Steps:

• Place a 9-in. cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, gently shape beef into 4 balls, shaping just enough to keep together (do not compact). , Increase burner temperature to medium-high; add oil. Working in batches, add beef. With a heavy metal spatula, flatten to 1/4- to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle each with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Turn burgers and sprinkle with additional 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until well browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, 1 minute. Repeat with remaining beef., Serve burgers on buns with toppings as desired.

TUSCAN PORK ROAST

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the garlic, rosemary, oil and salt; cover and process until mixture becomes a paste. Rub over the roast; cover and let stand for 30 minutes. , Place roast fat side up on a greased baking rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 145°. Let meat stand for 10 minutes before slicing.