Lucques Grilled Pork Burger - cumin seeds

Method

• To make the burgers: In a medium saute pan, toast cumin seeds over medium heat a few minutes, until seeds release their aroma and darken slightly.
• Pound seeds in a mortar or spice grinder until coarsely ground.
• Return pan to the stove over high heat for 1 minute.
• Add olive oil and shallots.
• Turn heat down to medium-low, and cook for a few minutes, stirring once or twice, until shallots start to soften.
• Add garlic, thyme, cumin, and sliced chile.
• Season with 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt and a few grindings of black pepper and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until shallots become translucent.
• Set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl using your hands, combine ground pork, chorizo, bacon, cooled shallot mxture and parsley, being careful not to overmix the meat.
• Season with 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
• Shape meat into six 6-ounce patties.
• Chill if making in advance.
• Light the grill 30 to 40 minutes before cooking, and remove pork burgers from the refrigerator to come to room temperature (if you made them in advance).
• When coals are broken down, red, and glowing, brush pork burgers with olive oil, and grill them 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, until theyre nicely browned.
• Turn burgers over and place a piece of cheese on each one.
• Cook another 3 minutes or so, until pork is just cooked through.
• (It should still be slightly pink in the center.
• ).
• Slice buns in half, brush them with olive oil and toast them on the grill, cut side down, for a minute or two until theyre lightly browned.
• Spread both sides of the buns with mayonnaise.
• Place a burger on the bottom half of each bun and dollop with mayo.
• Place some arugula or lettuce leaves on top and finish by covering with the top half of the bun.