In Defense of Turkey Burgers

The first time I ever tried a turkey burger was a little over 2 years ago, when I had first moved to NYC. I had never seen so many menus offering turkey burgers.

What is this all about? I thought.
I order. I bite. Oh.

I don't really consider myself a turkey burger kind of gal. I don't know what that actually means; I realize the implications of how that may come across. A turkey burger seems like something salad-eaters eat. And I'm not really a salad kind of gal. I have nothing against salad, just lettuce. I also have nothing against salad-eaters, unless you're on a lettuce diet, with which I might take issue. All I'm really saying is, when it comes to burgers, I usually go for whatever will clog my arteries the fastest.

But this turkey burger thing... it's good. I'm diggin it. You've got to add some stuff to it to give it a little flavor, otherwise it's way too lean and bland. Which is also how I feel about lettuce.

Recipe for easy Turkey Burgers topped with Guacamole and Roasted Red Pepper:

• 1 lb ground turkey meat
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp green Tabasco sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Make a batch of Guacamole
• Fire up a Roasted Red Pepper
• Burger buns of choice

Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet with a little olive oil on med-high. In a big bowl, mix the turkey, red onion, cheese, cilantro, Tabasco, salt and pepper with your hands. Shape into burger patties and cook on the grill until nice and crusty brown on both sides and firm enough to let you know it is cooked throughout. Top with guacamole (and don't forget the chips to snack on extra guac) and a roasted red pepper slab. Devour, and envision your cholesterol lowering. Or maybe not.

Happy Burger Weekend

It's July. Therefore, I crave burgers.

I made these chicken burgers for the first time last week in the Ultimate Burger class - I had never used ground chicken to make burgers before, but I have to say, it's a great idea. I think there's a good reason why gourmet burgers are so hot right now. As much as I like the tried and true beef + cheese + pickle combo, there are just so many options. Like chicken + corn + avocado. The possibilities are endless! And everyone loves a good burger.

Recipe for Chicken Burgers with Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa (adapted from John Scoff's recipe from class):

For the burgers:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 of a medium red onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1/2 of a roasted red pepper, diced
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 small chipotle pepper, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• salt and pepper

Saute the onions and garlic together for a few minutes over low heat in a little vegetable oil. Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl and blend well. (Keep in fridge while you make the salsa) When you're ready to cook the burgers, heat a skillet or grill pan brushed with a thin layer vegetable oil, form patties with your hands, and cook on each side until firm and well done.

For the salsa:

• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 ear of sweet corn, shucked clean and rubbed in a little oil/salt/pepper; grilled on the hot grill pan until charred, turning every so often. Let cool and cut off cob. CORN TIP: If you cut using long, slow strokes, the corn will fall straight down and not go flying.
• 1/4 of a medium red onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
  
• juice from 1/2 lime
• 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• salt and pepper
  

Mix all the ingredients together for the salsa. Top the cooked burgers with the salsa.

Happy 4th of July!