What could be better, now that the weather is warmer, than some burgers cooked on the outdoor grill? As part of the Burger Ballyhoo, created by Paul and Freya of Writing at the Kitchen Table, I decided to play around with some turkey for burgers.
For starters, I diced in a very small dice, some mushrooms and a couple ribs of celery and a clove of minced garlic. Those were sauteed in some olive oil, then mixed in a bowl with some Italian flavored turkey sausages from a local company, Willy Bird Turkey. I used three sausages, about a half pound. To these I added a pound of plain ground turkey, also from Willy Bird Turkey, an egg, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, plus 1/2 teaaspoon dried oregano. These were well combined in the bowl, then lightly shaped into 6 patties. Sweetie grilled them until they were just done (overcooking is the bane of turkey burgers) and served them on whole wheat buns that he had toasted on the grill.
They did not dry out and held their shape, partly due to the egg and oatmeal. In fact they were juicy. The combination of the Italian sausage and the sauteed vegetables and the herbs gave them lots of flavor. Even the guys who usually prefer beef said that they enjoyed these as a change. I like them because they are lower in fat than beef burgers and, well, I LOVE turkey.
These look really moist and delicious!
ReplyDeleteWhat time are you serving? Gadfry those look like totally fabulous burgerS!!! and you did them on whole wheat buns! perfect! Yes I love turkey!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'd never think to use turkey in a burger.. until now. :D
ReplyDeleteThese sound and look delicious, Elle! Question though.. if I were to make these babies up on night how would I know it's "just done" ? I don't want to over cook my first try at turkey burgers!
xoxo
Anna, Yep, but they can dry out easily, too.
ReplyDeleteTanna, come on over and have one!
Lis, I cut into one to see if it is still a little pink. If you are good at it, you can also push down on the center and if there is just a little give, it's time. No give and they are fully cooked, but dry. It's a delicate balance...sort of like with cooking sugar for caramel...can quickly go from not done to overdone. Mostly I let Sweetie do the barbeque...he is a whiz.
This burger is perfect for me, Elle! Delicious!
ReplyDeleteLook at all that loveliness in the middle of that burger. So juicy looking too, I love the use of turkey.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a fabulous burger, well done :)
ReplyDeletePatricia, Glad it's good for you.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, It is yummy.
Kelly-Jane, Thanks!
What a great idea for a burger! Those look tasty.
ReplyDeleteNot just another turkey burger! I'm excited by this for the vegetables and oatmeal. Almost a turkey meatloaf sandwich and there's nothing wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the entry and good luck in the competition!
Kristen, it is yummy.
ReplyDeleteFreya & Paul, yes, they are sort of like a meatloaf. Glad to participate.