Spanish Pork Burgers

Prep / Total time 55 minutes ..... Makes  4 servings

1 ..................tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 ..................cup thinly sliced Spanish onion
¾ .................teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
¼ .................teaspoon  salt, divided
1 ..................pound lean ground pork
1 ................. tablespoons  finely chopped Spanish green olives, such as Manzanilla
2 ..................teaspoons minced garlic
2 ..................teaspoons Pimenton de la Vera (see shopping tip) or Hungarian paprika
¼ .................cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 ..................teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1 ..................tablespoon lemon juice
                        **pinch of saffron**
¼ ................cup shredded Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
4 .................whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
2 .................whole jarred piquillo peppers or jarred pimientos, halved lengthwise

1.         Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Set aside half the onion for topping; finely chop the other half.
2.         Preheat grill to medium.
3.         Place the chopped onion in a large bowl; add pork, olives, garlic, paprika, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Gently combine, without overmixing, until evenly incorporated. Form into 4 equal patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
4.         Combine mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice and saffron in a small bowl.
5.         Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the burgers, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 10 to 12 minutes total. Top with cheese and cook until it is melted, about 1 minute more.
6.        Assemble the burgers on toasted buns with the lemon-saffron mayonnaise, some of the reserved onions and a half a Piquillo (or pimiento) pepper.
***Shopping Tip: Spain is known for its superb paprika called Piment³n de la Vera, which has a smoky flavor, and for intensely flavored peppers called Piquillos. Look for these specialty ingredients in well-stocked supermarkets or gourmet-food shops.

Tip: To oil the grill rack, oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.) When grilling delicate foods like tofu and fish, it is helpful to spray the food with cooking spray.
Heart Healthy