Stuffed Pork Burger

McHubby and I were on the South Beach Diet for a while. Even though we’re not on the “beach” anymore, this was one of the recipes we enjoyed. We usually cook our burgers on the grill instead of pan-frying. It’s a tasty non-beef burger—very juicy and flavorful! (By the way, these burgers alone are phase 1, but they would be phase 2 if you eat with whole wheat buns.)

Source: Stuffed Pork Burger, South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook

Ingredients
5 tablespoons pesto (from a jar)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ pounds lean ground pork
2 ounces low-fat mozzarella, cut into 4 cubes

Directions
Stir together pesto, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Add pork and, using your hands, gently yet thoroughly combine; do not overmix.

Shape pork mixture into 4 equal-sized balls. Press 1 mozzarella cube into the center of each ball; gently form a ¾-inch-thick patty, enclosing the cheese.

Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add burgers, cooking in batches if necessary, reduce heat to medium, and cook 5 minutes per side. Serve hot.