Chipotle-Cheese Pork Burgers

Adapted from Gourmet

~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Serves 2-4 depending on the size you make the burgers and the appetites of those your are serving.  I prefer 1/3 pound per person.

1 pound regular ground pork (not extra lean)

3 teaspoons minced chipotle pepper in adobo* plus 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (this is more than the original recipe calls for)

2 garlic cloves, forced through a garlic press

1/2 teaspoon salt

2-4 slices Muenster cheese

2-4 hamburger buns, toasted

Garnish:

1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon adobe sauce added

1 large tomatillo (1/4 pound), husked and rinsed, then sliced thin

1/2 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup cilantro sprigs (optional)

Preheat a outdoor grill or grill pan on the stovetop to medium heat. In a medium bowl, add the ground pork, diced chipotles and adobe sauce, minced garlic, and salt and gently mix together just until combined. Form into patties.

Oil grill rack or pan and grill patties, covered, 4-5 minutes. Flip patties over and grill another 4-5 minutes. Top with a slice of cheese and grill just until cheese is melted,  1 to 2 minutes more and remove to a plate.

Spread buns with mayonnaise and assemble burgers with tomatillo, avocado, and cilantro (optional).

Chipotles in Adobo sauce can be found in the Hispanic aisle of your grocery store near the other chili peppers.  They have a wonderful, smoky-tangy flavor.