Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers

Are you still keeping with your New Year's resolutions?  It's been like 2 weeks - so most people would still be going strong.

I'm so proud of you!

Would turkey burgers fit into your diet plan?  Probably.  And these ones are chock full of "good-for-you" stuff.  ALSO - they're topped with lettuce (healthy!) and tzatziki (OH SO HEALTHY!!!!).

Plus - they're pretty good.

To begin with, you mince some garlic and then sprinkle with salt and mash it together to make a paste.

 

I did not do that.

 

Clearly.

 

But you should.

 

Then add the mint.  (I have to mention here that I spent an extra 10 minutes in the grocery store standing over the fresh mint and breathed it in. I scared an old lady.)



 

And add the parsley. 

 

Then add the olive oil.

 

Add the paprika.

 

And, finally, the cumin and coriander.

 

Mix it all together into a paste.

Add the ground turkey.

 

Gently combine the turkey and the spices by hand.  Be sure not to over-work the meat.

 

Then divide the mixture into 4 equal patties, about 1/2 (to 3/4) inch thick.  Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up until 4 hours if made earlier in the day.

 

Heat a pan over medium-high heat.  Once the pan is hot, add the burgers and cook about 4 minutes until cooked through (or an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F).

 

Then serve with buns, lettuce, tzatziki, tomatoes, or whatever delightful trimmings you would like.

In a world of SUPER-boring ground turkey dishes, this one was definitely made to please.

I would also consider that everything that goes into these burgers is good for you - so it's a delicious, healthy burger that won't bore you to death.

Try it out!  - the Cane girl


Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers

2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 cup lightly packed chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup lightly packed chopped fresh parsley
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 pound ground turkey
Tzatziki, for topping

1. Mince the garlic, sprinkle with salt, and mash into a paste.
2. In a large bowl, combine the garlic paste, mint, parsley, oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne. 
3. Add the turkey and gently combine.  Be sure not to overwork the meat.
4. Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal sized patties and shape into a 1/2 to 3/4 inches think.  Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours.
5. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Once the pan is hot, place the patties on the pan and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should register 165 degrees F.
6. Serve on buns with tzatziki, and toppings as desired.

Source:  Tracey's Culinary Adventures