Ingreadient

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground fennel
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for frying, optional