By Summer Vondran, University of Minnesota Dietetic Intern
After the long hard winter we’ve all endured, everyone is practically jumping out of their skin at the thought of warmer weather. And what’s the best thing to do when warmer weather finally gets here? Have a cookout!
The following recipe provides a sweet, spicy, and nutritious alternative to the typical burger. Turkey, high in tryptophan, will help boost your mood after being stuck indoors all winter long. Spinach contains high amounts of vitamin A, which can help you avoid any springtime illness. Peaches are high in antioxidants which are important for overall good health.
Peach BBQ Turkey Burgers
Adapted from relish.com
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
- 15 oz canned peaches, drained
- 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground turkey
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup peach BBQ sauce
- Monterey jack cheese
- Spinach
- Kaiser Rolls
Instructions:
For the barbecue sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add in peaches and tomato and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and chipotle peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro and lemon juice.
- Cool liquid a bit and then using an immersion or regular blender or food processor, carefully blend to desired consistency.
- Return BBQ sauce to the pan, reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for at least 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For the turkey burgers:
- Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper and then combine with about ⅓ cup peach BBQ sauce. Mix well but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide evenly into four patties and cook using desired method (grill, skillet, etc.). Cook completely and top with additional BBQ sauce, cheese, and spinach.
