I went on a mini vacation last week. Four days of food and fun, along with multiple adult beverages. I was with my 4 amigos on our semi-annual retreat from reality. When I returned, the bathroom scales added 4 1/2 pounds to my person. It was time to get back to a healthy lifestyle and lose those dreaded pounds, but no crash diet for me. I have found ways to eat like a champ and still lose weight. The humble turkey burger represents one of my typical go-to entrees.
Turkey is an amazing protein. I don’t know that a person could eat enough pure turkey to make him or her gain weight. Of course, if you pile on the mashed potatoes, hot rolls and gravy on the same plate with the turkey, followed off by a big slice of homemade apple pie and ice cream – that changes things. But turkey itself has very few calories. While the thought of a turkey burger may not be as appealing as a ground sirloin burger, by golly, it’s almost as good, and the bathroom scales don’t mind a bit if you eat one that weighs 8 ounces. Just avoid the Thanksgiving trimmings.
Here’s how I make (and enjoy) my turkey burgers.
Start with two pounds of ground turkey and add ¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs, 2 egg whites, ¼ cup minced onions, ¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs, a dash of fresh parsley, a clove of minced garlic and plenty of sea salt and coarsely ground pepper. Mix the gooey ingredients together and shape into 6- or even 8-ounce balls. Sauté the burgers in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Brown on both sides and make sure the center is done (165 degrees), then serve on a potato bun (also light on calories) with a slice of Vidalia onion, a slice of tomato, lettuce and light mayonnaise. Good food and good results the next day.
Turkey Burgers (Makes 6 nice patties)
2 Pounds fresh ground turkey
2 Egg whites
¼ Cup breadcrumbs
¼ Cup minced onion (fresh or dried)
One garlic clove, finely minced
1 Tablespoon parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
