Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers
Our usual problem with turkey burgers is the dry, chewy texture of the cooked meat. The usual solution is to add fat, but a little sauteed onion, dried cranberries and soaked couscous work even better without larding down this healthy main course. With sage and thyme, call it a summery answer to Thanksgiving dinner. If you like, serve with homemade Blueberry Ketchup.

Ingredients
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1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole-wheat couscous
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1/2 cup boiling water
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 stalk celery, minced
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
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1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
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1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
Directions
1.
Place couscous in a large bowl. Pour in boiling water, stir and set aside until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. If grilling the burgers, preheat grill to medium-high.
2.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add celery; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds more. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the couscous, add cranberries and stir to combine. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add turkey and stir until combined; do not overmix. Form the mixture into 6 patties.
3.
To cook on the stovetop: Coat a large nonstick skillet, preferably cast-iron, with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the patties, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 4 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side for 2 minutes. Cover and continue to cook until lightly browned but still juicy (the juices should run clear, not pink), about 4 minutes more. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165 degrees F.) To grill: Oil the grill rack (see Tip) and grill the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping gently to avoid breaking them. Serve immediately.
Tip:
To oil a grill rack, oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)
Nutrition information
Calories 217, Total Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 43 mg, Sodium 256 mg, Carbohydrate 17 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 17 g, Potassium 49 mg. Exchanges: Starch 1, Lean Meat 2, Fat 1 (mono).
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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