Author Notes
I often make turkey meatballs for spaghetti which I flavor with garlic, fennel seed and crushed red pepper for a "sausage" like taste. I took that same mixture, formed patties and took them to the grill. Topped with cheese and some peperonata, it makes for a great burger! —inpatskitchen
Ingredients
- For the turkey burgers
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1 pound
ground turkey (I used a 90/10 mix)
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1 1/2
teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional or use less if you like)
-
2 teaspoons
granulated garlic or garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon
salt
-
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
-
1 tablespoon
granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons
fennel seeds, crushed a bit
-
1
egg
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1 cup
unseasoned panko crumbs
- For the peperonata and putting it all together
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3
bell peppers (red, yellow or orange or a combination)
-
1
medium onion
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2 tablespoons
olive oil
-
3
garlic cloves
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1/2 teaspoon
salt
-
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
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8 ounces
tomato sauce
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2 ounces
( 1/4 cup) water
-
1 tablespoon
minced oregano leaves
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3 tablespoons
thinly sliced basil leaves
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The seasoned turkey mixture
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4
slices provolone cheese
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4
of your favorite burger buns
Directions
- For the turkey burgers
-
Thoroughly combine all the ingredients, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. ( A little longer is better)
- For the peperonata and putting it all together
-
Core and seed the bell peppers and slice into thin strips. Peel the onion and slice thinly. Mince the garlic.
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Heat the oil in a large sauté pan and add the peppers. After a few minutes, add the sliced onion. Saute over medium heat until the peppers and onions soften. This could take about 10 minutes.
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Add the garlic, salt and pepper and sauté a few more minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Stir in the water and tomato sauce, bring up to a simmer and simmer with the pan partially covered until the peppers become very soft and the sauce thickens up a bit. Stir in the basil and oregano.
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Form the turkey mixture into 4 patties and grill them on an oiled grill over medium heat. About a minute or two before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on top.
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Place the burgers on the buns and top with some of the peperonata.
I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining.
My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!
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