Savory Mediterranean Turkey and Pear Burgers
Transform your typical turkey burger into a flavorful feast with these Savory Mediterranean Turkey and Pear Burgers. Inspired by a delightful recipe from the June 2007 issue of Family Fun magazine, this version infuses each patty with fresh herbs, crunchy pear, and aromatic spices, promising a juicy and tender bite that your kids will love. Packed with protein and the goodness of fresh produce, these burgers are not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for family meals. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, they promise to become a family favorite that even the pickiest eaters won't be able to resist. Try them out, and let their amazing taste surprise you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
bosc pear
1 medium (peeled, cored, and coarsely grated)
egg
1 (beaten (or use 1/4 cup egg substitute))
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (Japanese style, dry)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (very finely minced)
fresh sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
coarse salt
1 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, coarsely grated bosc pear, beaten egg (or egg substitute), panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely chopped sage, finely chopped rosemary, and ground allspice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Season the mixture with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper, adjusting to taste. To ensure seasoning is just right, cook a teaspoon of the mixture on a microwave-safe plate or in a small skillet and taste for flavor.
3
Divide the seasoned turkey mixture into 6 equal portions. Lightly shape each portion into a patty, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking, which helps ensure even cooking.
4
Cover and refrigerate the patties while you prepare the grill, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Preheat your charcoal fire or gas grill to medium-hot. Once hot, lightly coat the grill rack with canola oil.
6
Place the shaped patties on the grill indentation side up. Cook the burgers without pressing down on them until the undersides are well-seared, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
7
Carefully flip the burgers and continue grilling until they are fully cooked through, and the juices run clear, another 5 to 7 minutes depending on thickness.
8
Remove the burgers from the grill and let rest for a few moments before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings and sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Mediterranean Turkey and Pear Burgers?
They are a flavorful turkey burger variation infused with fresh herbs, crunchy pear, and aromatic spices for a juicy and tender bite.
What is the main protein source for this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is ground turkey.
Why is bosc pear included in these burgers?
The bosc pear adds a delightful crunch and helps keep the turkey patties juicy and tender.
How should the bosc pear be prepared?
The pear should be peeled, cored, and coarsely grated before being added to the mixture.
Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use one beaten egg or 1/4 cup of egg substitute.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe calls for Japanese style panko breadcrumbs.
Which fresh herbs are used in the burger mixture?
The mixture includes chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped sage, and finely chopped rosemary.
What specific spice gives these burgers their Mediterranean flair?
Ground allspice is used to provide an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
How many burgers does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes 6 equal portions or patties.
How can I ensure the seasoning is correct before cooking all the burgers?
You can cook a teaspoon of the mixture in a microwave or small skillet to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Why should I make an indentation in the center of the patty?
Creating a slight indentation in the center prevents the burger from bulging and ensures even cooking.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the patties before grilling?
Yes, you should cover and refrigerate the patties while the grill preheats to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The charcoal fire or gas grill should be preheated to medium-hot.
How do I prevent the turkey burgers from sticking to the grill?
Once the grill is hot, lightly coat the grill rack with canola oil.
How should the patties be placed on the grill?
Place the shaped patties on the grill with the indentation side facing up.
Should I press down on the burgers with a spatula while grilling?
No, you should cook the burgers without pressing down on them to keep them juicy.
How long do the burgers need to cook on the first side?
They should cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until the undersides are well-seared.
How do I know when the turkey burgers are finished cooking?
The burgers are done when they are fully cooked through and the juices run clear, usually after another 5 to 7 minutes after flipping.
Are these burgers suitable for children?
Yes, they are described as a kid-friendly meal that even pickiest eaters will love.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version found in the June 2007 issue of Family Fun magazine.
Can I use a charcoal grill for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe provides instructions for both charcoal fires and gas grills.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Coarse salt is recommended for seasoning the turkey mixture.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be very finely minced.
How much fresh sage is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh sage.
How much fresh rosemary is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy choice because it is packed with protein and fresh produce.
What should I do after removing the burgers from the grill?
Let the burgers rest for a few moments before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
What kind of oil should be used on the grill?
Canola oil is recommended for coating the grill rack.
Is this recipe good for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues.
How much ground turkey is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of raw ground turkey.