South Philly Burgers with Broccoli Rabe & Sweet-Hot Pancetta

Pairs well with:

White Zinfandel

With strawberry and melon essences, this American original is perfectly at home with however you like to unwind.

Ingredients

BASIL AIOLI:
1 cup mayonnaise
1-1/2 cups finely chopped basil leaves
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
4 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

SWEET-HOT PANCETTA:
1/2 pound very thinly sliced pancetta
4 teaspoons light brown sugar (preferably granulated brown sugar)
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

PATTIES & BROCCOLI RABE:
1 pound bunch broccoli rabe
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/4 cup Sutter Home White Zinfandel
4 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fennel seeds, ground medium-fine in a spice grinder
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
6 round ciabatta rolls or round Italian sandwich rolls, split

 

Instructions

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover or heat a gas grill to medium-high.

To make aioli, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until needed.

To make pancetta, separate slices (they needn’t stay intact) and place on a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil on the grill. Grill until beginning to crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Combine brown sugar and cayenne and sprinkle on pancetta. Continue grilling until very crisp, 2 to 3 minutes longer.

Trim large stems from broccoli rabe and coarsely chop tops. Bring heavily salted water to a boil in a medium heat-proof 3-quart saucepan on the grill. Add broccoli rabe and boil 2 minutes. Drain immediately. Let cool then squeeze out liquid with a dish towel; set aside.

Place ground chuck, wine and garlic in a large bowl. Combine the fennel and next 4 ingredients and add to bowl. Handling meat as little as possible, mix well and shape into 6 patties, formed to fit the rolls. Brush grill rack with vegetable oil. Place patties on rack and grill, covered, 4 to 6 minutes per side, for medium, or to desired degree of doneness. During last 3 minutes of grilling time, place cheese on patties and grill until melted. Also during last few minutes of grilling time, lightly toast both sides of rolls on edge of grill.
To assemble burgers, spread basil aioli on cut sides of rolls. Place on patties on bottom halves, top with broccoli rabe and a generous amount of pancetta and replace roll tops.

Makes 6 burgers.