Vegetable Turkey Burgers

My husband was raised a vegetarian. I like meat and I think it is difficult, although not impossible, to get enough protein without it. Before we got married, we had a discussion on what we would eat and came to an agreement: my husband agreed to eat non-mammal animals and not cook any disgusting (and they are all disgusting) vegetation meat substitutes, and I would not cook any mammals for dinner. Therefore, we eat our fair share of turkey, chicken, and the occasional salmon. This also meant that I had to replace ground beef with ground turkey all the time. I have found that I actually really like turkey better than ground beef. Although, sometimes I just have to have a real burger when we go out. I hope you enjoy this healthier version of a burger.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes if on grill, forever and a year if on the stove/oven (about 45 minutes)

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 medium carrots

1 medium zucchini

1.25 lbs ground turkey

2 eggs

1-3 Tbs of whatever mixed seasoning suits your fancy at the time (1 Tbs if using spices,3 Tbs if using herbs, I used 2 tsp Penzeys Arizona Dreaming this time around)

1. If you don't have a grill, heat the oven to 350

2. Shred the carrots and zucchini in the food processor.

3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

4. Shape into 6 patties

6. If you don't have a grill, brown each side of each patty on a nonstick pan over medium heat (about 2 minutes per side) and place on a cookie sheet. If you have a grill, grill these, but be careful, they fall apart easily.

7. Cook in the oven for about 20 minutes, flipping the patties at about 10 minutes. I bake mine on a wire rack, but you you don't have to. Do line your pan with foil or it will be a mess. Put cheese on during the 2 minutes if you are using it.

 

 

8. Top with your favorite toppings and eat. I did pepper jack cheese, guacamole, roasted red peppers and tomato and lettuce and it was yummy. Don't worry, I did figure out how to fit it all in my mouth. :-)