Mario Batali's Spicy Sausage Provolone Burgers

By kimvess

Ingredients

• For the Basil Mustard:
• 1 1/2 pounds Spicy Italian Sausage (casing removed)
• 1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds (toasted and ground)
• 6 slices Provolone Cheese
• Salt to taste
• 6 Hamburger Size Potato Rolls
• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
• 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Basil Leaves (sliced)
• For the Sweetened Cherry Pepper Relish:
• 1 cup Pickled Cherry Peppers (finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from beta.abc.go.com

Preparation

Step 1

step 1

ingredients

instructions Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium high.

step 2

ingredients 1 1/2 pounds Spicy Italian Sausage (casing removed)
1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds (toasted and ground)
Salt to taste

instructions Working with your hands, mix the meats, ground fennel seeds and Worcestershire in a large bowl. Make sure not to over work the mixture. Wet your hands slightly and form 6 equal size burger patties. Season with some additional salt.

step 3

ingredients 6 slices Provolone Cheese

instructions Place patties in the preheated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Work in batches to avoid over crowding the pan. The burger should release from the pan and be golden before flipping. Once flipped cook for 2 to 3 minutes and then top with a slice of provolone cheese.

step 4

ingredients

instructions Once cooked and the cheese has melted, remove to a plate and tent with aluminum foil until ready to build the burger.

step 5

ingredients 6 Hamburger Size Potato Rolls

instructions Toast the buns in the pan dripping from the burgers. Spread some Basil Mustard on the bun, add a burger patty and top with the Sweetened Cherry Pepper Relish.

step 6

ingredients 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Basil Leaves (sliced)

instructions For the Basil Mustard: Stir the ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. This can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge.

step 7

ingredients 1 cup Pickled Cherry Peppers (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

instructions For the Sweetened Cherry Pepper Relish: Combine the ingredients in a bowl and season with a pinch of salt, making sure the peppers are coated in the maple syrup. Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving. This can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Helpful Tips:
1. Ask your butcher for a 80/20 blend of ground beef: 80% lean / 20% fat. This combination provides flavor without too much fat.
2. Toast spices to release their flavor, and then grind them yourself.
3. Form the patty to your liking -- make the patties rounder or flatter depending on how you like your burger.