Italian Sausage Burgers Recipe

Ingredients (24)

• For the Sausage:
• 1 1/2 pounds coarsely ground pork
• 1/2 tablespoon cracked black pepper, plus 1/4 cup for crusting, divided
• 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 3 cloves garlic, very finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, lightly toasted and ground
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 (1/2-by 2- by 2-inch) squares mozzarella cheese
• For the Peppers:
• 4 large bell peppers, seeds and stems discarded and cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• To Serve:
• 4 crusty rolls
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought red sauce