Turkey Burgers with “Fries”

There’s not much I love more (during busy weeks) than a quick cooked meal!  I whipped up these burgers in no time and was pleasantly surprised at just how much flavor they had for a “rushed” dinner.      I love using ground turkey in place of beef because it has just as much protein but a lot less fat!  And you can never go wrong with some sweet potato fries!  This meal has a more “mex-tex” flavor profile, and it’s great paired with some guacamole, chipotle sour cream, and even a fresh salsa fresca. Unfortunately my avocado was not ripe and I was missing the other yummy topping ingredients, but even without these extras, it was still a tasty thursday night dinner!   

Sweet Potato Fries: serves 2 – Prep first so they will cook while you are making burger mix

1 sweet potato, washed (skin on) and cut into “thinish” sticks (faster cooking)

olive oil

salt

smoked paprika

chili powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  After the potato has been cut, spread sticks onto foiled cookie sheet making sure there is room in between each piece.  Drizzle with olive oil (enough to coat) and sprinkle with salt and spices, use your judgement, I would say its about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon for each.  Toss everything together.  Bake for about 30 minutes, tossing periodically to toast all sides.  

Turkey Burger: serves 2

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small shallot, thinly sliced

1/2 a red pepper, cut into small squares

1 small hot pepper, cut into thin small pieces

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 ear of corn, taken off the cob

1/2 lb ground turkey 

salt to taste

1 teaspoon each: cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika

In a medium saute pan, lightly coat the bottom with olive oil and on medium heat saute the garlic, shallot, peppers, scallions, and corn.  Cook for about 5 minutes or until there is a light char on the veggies.  In a mixing bowl, combine the spices with the ground turkey, add in the sauteed veggies.  Mix together.  My mix was very sticky, this is OK.  Form mix into patties.  Using the same saute pan, add more olive oil and lightly brown each side of the burger.  Place patties onto foiled lined cookie sheet and add to oven with fries.  Cook for about 25 minutes or until the center reaches 165 degrees.  The fries should be done at the same time as the burger.