Today’s Taste: Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

A cheeseburger, if you will – but more on the lean side. Turkey meat is a great substitute for beef when you want to cut back on the cholesterol, fat, and calories. Trust me when I say you won’t be missing it after you make these delicious, tangy, mediterranean turkey burgers.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of ground turkey
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• ¼ cup diced mushrooms
• 8 -10 unpitted, roughly chopped, Kalamata olives
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp basil (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp dill (finely chopped)
• ½ tbsp oregano
• ½ tbsp thyme
• Dash of salt and pepper

Burger Toppings

• ½ red onion (sliced)
• Feta cheese
• Arugula
• Tzatziki sauce
• Burger buns (nix the gluten and try Canyon Bakehouse buns from your local supermarket)

RECIPE

1. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 large egg by hand. Add ground turkey, mushrooms, olives, and all seasonings and spices. Mix together until completely combined. It’s easiest to do this with your hands!
2. Scoop out about 2-3 tbsps of patty combo then roll and flatten into patties. Place on a plate or baking sheet to put in the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes.
3. While your patties are chilling, cut a red onion into slices. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, then add in your onions to saute. (about 10 minutes)
4. Once your patties are chilled, heat a grill pan on medium-high heat. Drizzle with olive oil, and place patties in pan to cook. Each side needs about 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. You can use your regular outdoor grill for this too, just make sure to get them to an internal temperature of 165ºF!
5. Once your patties are done, top them off with some feta and pop them into your broiler for about 3-4 minutes. You can use this All Clad grill pan on both stove top and in the oven. 
6. Once the patties are done, remove from the grill pan and set aside. In that same pan, you can brush olive oil or butter onto your buns and toast those on the pan as well until golden brown.
7. Assemble your burger by placing the pattie first, the sautéed onions, arugula, then top it off with some tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe and photos by Jillian Jones, Forkin’ Tasty. Follow her recipes on Instagram and Facebook.

P.S. Check out this tasty green goddess salad.