Pork Burgers with Apple salad and Garlic Aioli

I make a rendition of these once a week. They are a perfect weeknight dinner since they go together so quick. And they are absolutely delicious. The garlic aioli is rich and sharp. The apples are crisp, sweet and pair so nicely with the aioli. The pork is mild and is the perfect vehicle for lots of the aioli!

Makes 2 -8 ounce burgers:

1 pound ground pork

1 sweet crisp apple (honey crisp/pink lady- cored and grated)

1 cup arugula

olive oil

1 lemon

salt and pepper

2 Brioche buns

For aioli:

1/2 garlic clove

salt

1 egg yolk

1/2 cup olive oil

I make the aioli first and it’s ready to go. Using a mortar and pestle, add 1/2 garlic clove and a pinch of salt. Mash together until a paste. Add egg yolk and combine. Add a few drops of olive oil while beating the yolk with the pestle. Add oil very slowly to form the emulsification, if you add to much oil too quickly, it will break and you will have to begin again. Keep beating yolk and oil together vigorously while adding a slow stream of oil until each addition is completely incorporated. Keep adding oil slowly until soft, rich and creamy consistency is achieved. If it gets too stiff, you can add a few drops of water or lemon to loosen it to get desired consistency. Once thickened and well emulsified, taste and adjust salt if needed.

In medium bowl, place pork and season with salt and pepper and mix well. Split into 2 patties. Place skillet over medium- high heat, add 2 tablespoons oil, once oil is hot add the patties. Cook 3 minutes each side to brown. Cover with lid and lower heat, continue to cook until internal temperature is 140-142. About 6 more minutes.

In small bowl add arugula and a drizzle of olive oil and juice from 1/2 lemon, season with salt and pepper.

Grate apple and add other half of lemon juice to keep it from browning.

Remove patties when done and toast brioche buns in skillet.

To serve, add aioli to both sides of buns. place a small amount of arugula to the bottom bun then add the patty. Place more arugula and top with grated apple.

It is definitely a messy burger but so worth it. Enjoy!