Maialino Burger Recipes

MAIALINO BURGER

Steps:

• Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high and heat broiler, with rack in top position. Cook bacon in skillet until fat renders and bacon is browned, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and break in half; reserve fat in skillet and return to heat.
• Form beef into 4 patties, roughly 5 inches in diameter. Season with salt and pepper and place in skillet. With a metal spatula, press down gently to flatten each against skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 3 minutes, then flip, scraping against skillet with spatula so burgers release cleanly. Cook 3 minutes for medium-rare, then top each with 1 slice cheese. Broil until cheese begins to melt, 1 minute. Transfer burgers to a plate and keep warm.
• Pour off fat from skillet and reserve. Add onion and cook over medium-high, 30 seconds on each side; transfer to plate. Add 2 tablespoons reserved fat to skillet and toast half the buns, cut side down, until golden, 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining buns.
• On bottom halves of buns, layer onion, burgers, bacon, and escarole. Top with remaining halves of buns and serve immediately.

PORK RAGù AL MAIALINO

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, remove the thick skin from the pork, leaving a sheen of fat on top of the meat. Season aggressively with salt and place in the refrigerator until ready to use, as long as overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a deep saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When it shimmers, gently cook the onion, celery and fennel until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the stock and thyme and bring to a simmer, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Rinse pork to remove excess salt, dry with a paper towel and add to seasoned broth. Cover and place in the oven for 90 minutes or more, until the meat just begins to pull away from the bone.
• Allow both meat and broth to cool on the stove top for 30 minutes, or until you can touch the meat with your hands. Remove the pork and gently pull the meat from the bone, then tear the chunks into bite-size shreds. Place these in a large bowl.
• Strain the liquid into a separate bowl and then pour enough of it over the meat to barely cover. (Use the rest for soup.) Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Put a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil.
• Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add the pork and braising liquid. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the butter and stir to emulsify.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water according to the directions on the package, 10 to 12 minutes. When it is finished, drain and add to the sauce along with a splash of pasta water. Simmer for 1 minute, then add the lemon juice, half of the cheese, a tablespoon of olive oil and the parsley. Stir to incorporate.
• Serve immediately, topped with arugula and the remaining cheese.