Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post
This juicy burger is an antidote to the typical uninspired, deck-of-cards-size turkey patty. By stuffing the lean meat with flavorful vegetable fillings, you add volume, taste and nutrition — plus, a little cheese in the center lends a luxe, melty quality.
The recipe takes flavor cues from a classic antipasto platter with roasted peppers, marinated artichokes, green olives and mozzarella cheese. But feel free to improvise. The burgers also can be cooked on the grill.
Ingredients
FOR THE BURGERS
3 tablespoons chopped roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed if jarred
3 tablespoons chopped marinated artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons chopped pitted green olives
3 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 pounds extra-lean or lean ground turkey breast
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE SPREAD
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
For the burgers: Toss together the peppers, artichokes, olives and mozzarella in a medium bowl; this will be the burger filling.
To make the patties, shape the ground turkey into 4 rounds of equal size. Form each of those into 2 equal-size patties (for a total of 8). Spoon the filling onto 4 of the patties in equal amounts. Top with the remaining patties, working the meat around the edges to seal the burgers closed. (The burgers will be 4 to 5 inches in diameter.) Season on both sides with the salt and pepper.
Grease a nonstick skillet or nonstick grill pan with cooking oil spray; heat over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the burgers and cook for 5 minutes, then turn them over and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are lightly browned and the meat is cooked through.
For the spread: Whisk together the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar and salt in a small bowl.
Serve the burgers on butter lettuce leaves, or on whole-grain buns topped with lettuce, tomato and a few basil leaves.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving (burger and spread only): Calories 290; Total 19g (Saturated Fat 5g); Cholesterol 115mg; Sodium 480mg; Total Carbohydrates 3g; Dietary Fiber 1g; Protein 26g
Copyright 2016 Ellie Krieger All rights reserved