2 days Ago By Lynda Balslev, Columnist
It’s the season for grilling and burgers. This summer, lighten up your double-fisted burgers with ground turkey meat. Turkey burgers are often underrated and dismissed.
They have a reputation for being dry and bland, which is unfortunate. These criticisms can be easily remedied and used to your advantage. Look to turkey’s neutral flavor as a canvas.
It’s an opportunity to mix in a slew of sweet and spicy condiments to develop flavor and umami qualities while providing moisture that ensures juicy, dribbly bites. This turkey burger relies on favorite pantry items and fresh fruit to provide succulence and flavor. A can of chipotles packed in adobo sauce is a pantry must-have.
Not only do the chiles lend smoky heat to the patty, but the sauce in the can is liquid gold; it’s a sweet and spicy substitute for ketchup or chili sauce. Grated onion is another easy trick that provides bright, sharp moisture to the patty. To crown it, ripe summer peaches and cherries simmer together in a sweet-and-sour jammy compote.
It replaces the standard smear of ketchup on the bun and complements the turkey meat. Prepare the burgers on the grill. If you have a griddle, use it to get an even sear on the patties.
You can also prepare the patties on the stovetop. Use a cast-iron pan for best results. Serves 4 2 sweet onions (such as Walla Walla), sliced crosswise 1/2-inch thick Olive oil for brushing Coarse salt 4 hamburger buns, split Lettuce leaves Burgers: 11⁄2 pounds lean ground turkey 2 .
