Recipes for Turkey and Vegetarian Burgers

The hamburger is an American past time. However, you can vary the ingredients and still be part of this popular tradition in food. Today with a more health conscious nation and our ailing economy, many people are opting for non-traditional burgers. If you use some spices creativity and are willing to experiment a little, you can turn your turkey and vegetarian burgers into something delicious. And you may think they are just as good as the regular red meat burger. You will happily eat your new burger and enjoy an economical and guilt free meal.

There are many ways to design turkey burgers and veggie burgers, and enhance the taste with different ingredients and spices.The seasonings are unlimited to create a really tasty veggie or turkey burger to appeal to your family and friends. I am offering several basic ideas for the proverbial burger, but what you create personally with your favorite ingredients will make these burgers special.

So here is to happy and healty eating.

You can purchase ground turkey either dark or white meat, organic or regular. Ground turkey tends to have less moisture and fat, so you may want to add some liquid and healthy oil to create a juicy burger.

Though there are many ingredients you can use for vegetarian burgers, my two favorites are beans and rice. It is convenient for me to make these burgers as I generally have these ingredients in my pantry, and use them often for other dishes. This recipe will make 6 generous size burgers.

Ingredients:

• Two cans of white northern beans
• Two cups of short grain brown rice
• One cup of cooked mushrooms, green onions and zucchini
• One cup of pepper jack cheese
• One egg white
• One tablespoon of garlic powder
• One tablespoon of curry powder
• One-half cup of chopped parsley
• One teaspoon of dry mustard
• One tablespoon of seasoned salt
• One tablespoon of lemon pepper spice
• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• Canola oil for frying

Instructions:

• Drain the white beans and mash with a fork until fairly blended.
• Mix the beans with the rice mixture and add all the seasonings
• Chop the veggies in small pieces
• Brown the veggies until tender and set aside.
• Add the egg white,olive oil, cheese to the bean/ rice mixture. Make sure the burgers hold together well.
• Add the vegetable to the mixture and reform the burgers.
• Chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
• Heat the canola oil and pan fry the burgers until brown and firm.

Toast a whole grain or sourdough bun and add lettuce, tomatoes, onions to your turkey and vegetarian burgers.

Spread mustard or mayonnaise on the buns and you will have a real burger. Whether your choice is turkey or vegetarian burgers you know you have made a healthy selection. Add red onions, lettuce and tomatoes to enhance the burgers.

Include a mixed green salad or potato salad with your delicious burgers.