Pork and Apple Burgers

Apple is to pork what stuffing is to chicken, or horseradish to beef. A timeless combination that almost never fails, the natural sweetness afforded by grated apple complements and helps bring out the flavour of pork. This recipe for Pork and Apple Burgers demonstrates how simple and effective the duo can be – you’ll never look back.

Pork burgers are quite different from those made with beef. Beef, for want of a better description, has a very “meaty” feel to it; it feels dense and filling. Pork mince, as you might expect, has a lighter make-up and makes for a very appealing contrast when you’re in need of something that little bit more dainty. Throw in a little apple and paprika and what you’ve got is a delicate burger worthy of those homemade bread rolls that have just emerged from your oven.

As you’ll likely realise, I’m a fan of simplicity in cooking. One or two flavours here and there to make special ingredients sing. However, if you’re looking to spice your pork and apple burgers up a little, the addition of a few finely chopped leaves of sage would go an awfully long way. Thyme would also be a fine option, but don’t overdo it – 1 tablespoon will do; hiding the sweet apple flavour would be sinful.

For an interesting, almost experimental, exploration of the pork and apple combination check out my recipe for Smoked Bacon and Ricotta Ravioli with Apple Sauce…

Pork and Apple Burgers

Makes 4

Ingredients:

• 500g pork mince
• 2 cloves of garlic, mashed
• 1 apple, grated
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• a little black pepper
• sunflower oil, for frying

Method:

1. Tip the pork mince, garlic, apple, red onion, paprika, egg, bread crumbs, salt and pepper into a large mixing bowl and bring together thoroughly with your hands.
2. Form the mixture into 4 patties or burgers and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. If you’re not confident about seasoning you can cook a little of the mixture and taste.
3. When chilled heat 3-4 tbsp of sunflower oil in a heavy-based frying pan and cook the pork burgers over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side.
4. The burgers should be golden brown and cooked through. Serve in a burger bun with a handful of red cabbage slaw.

Cost: At £1/100g pork mince is a delightfully inexpensive meat, even more so than beef. And if you’re watching your pennies you can pick up the remaining ingredients for as little as 80p. As such, this recipe, which yields 4 generously sized pork and apple burgers, should set you back no more than £5.80 to make.