Pork & Fennel Burgers

Pork & Fennel Burgers

Pork and fennel is one of my favourite sausage flavour combos. So no surprises that it also translates to a tasty burger! The other thing I love about this dish is the layering of fennel seeds with the fresh fennel in the salad.

enough for: 2
takes: 15 minutes
450g (1lb) minced (ground) pork
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large bulb fennel
1 bag rocket (arugula) leaves
mayonnaise, to serve

1. In a bowl combine pork and fennel seeds. Season and form into 2 patties.

2. Heat a frying pan on a medium high heat. Rub burgers with a little oil and cook for 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle.

3. Meanwhile combine lemon with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Season. Shave fennel using a mandolin or sharp knife.

4. Toss shaved fennel in the dressing with the rocket.

5. Place cooked burgers on 2 plates. Top with salad and drizzle over the mayo.

Variations

vegetarian – add fennel seeds to these chickpea burgers.

vegan – used these lentil burgers and vegan mayo.

egg-free – use natural yoghurt instead of the mayo or use a commercial vegan mayo.

no fennel blub – replace with 2 small zucchini or just use more salad leaves.

different meat – chicken, turkey or even beef are all good.

more substantial – serve on burger buns (and fries).

no fennel seeds – just skip it. Or replace with some fresh red chilli.

pescetarian – use finely chopped fish or cook fish fillets with the fennel seeds and serve with the salad and mayo.

more veg – serve with a green salad.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

minced (ground) pork – freeze it.

fennel seeds – keep in the pantry.

lemon – whole lemon will keep wrapped in a plastic bag in the fridge for months.

bulb fennel – keeps in the fridge in plastic bag for a few weeks. Best to use for another meal.

rocket – are highly perishable. My first path would be to use them for another meal (salad for breakfast!) but if that isn’t possible you can pop them in the freezer. They will wilt down but can then be used anywhere you’d use wilted greens. At least this way they wont go slimey.

mayonnaise – unopened in pantry or in fridge once opened.