Rachael's Canadian Spiced Burgers with Quebec Green Ketchup and Poutine

For the green ketchup, layer chopped tomatoes and onions and salt in large bowl and chill overnight.  Drain tomatoes and onions and add to pot with water, vinegars and sugars, apple or cabbage. Prepare pickling spice, tie the cheesecloth and anchor to pot handle.  Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat to simmer and cook 45-65 minutes. Store ketchup in Mason jars and store in fridge up to 1 month.

For the poutine, preheat oven to 450˚F.  Place parchment on baking sheet and arrange fries in an even layer. Bake to crisp, 25-30 minutes.  

Meanwhile, combine cornstarch and water in small bowl or ramekin. Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add butter and when it foams, whisk in flour, add stocks, cornstarch mixture and pepper and bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer to thicken.

To serve the poutine, turn off oven and add cheese curds, let stand 5 minutes, transfer to platter and top with gravy and thyme.

For the burgers, combine beef and pork with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, ginger, sage, dry mustard, allspice, cayenne, nutmeg and olive or vegetable oil. Form 4 large patties thinner at the center for even cooking.   

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, cook patties about 8 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serve burgers with chopped cornichon or pickles and lettuce on brioche rolls topped with green ketchup.