Wednesday, June 8, 2011

When your garden's bounty is herbs...

It's Spring.
It's hot.
It's almost Summer.
I love it.
Because I love the BBQ.
And herbs.

PRINT ME!

The Herby Turkey
Serves 4 - 6

Foccacia buns or slab, cut into burger size squares, sliced

patty:
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
1 - 2 shallots, finely minced
a good handful finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

pesto:
about 10 sage leaves, finely chopped
one parsley sprig, finely chopped
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp grated Parmesan

to cook:
2 - 3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder

mayo

To make the herby pesto, place garlic and salt in a blender. Pulse for a few seconds. Add almonds, pulse again. Add everything else and pulse just enough to combine. Done!

Fire up the BBQ on high, get it good and hot. To make the herby turkey patties, mix your patty ingredients with the turkey, only until just combined. The more you mix, the tougher the end result. Oh, and use your hands, they are your best tool. Shape into 4 - 6 even patties.

Stir 1/2 tsp garlic powder into some olive oil, and using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each patty.

Turn the BBQ down to medium, gently place the patties about 2 inches apart on the grill. Now leave them alone for 6 - 7 minutes (use a timer!), then flip, only once, never more, and cook another 5 - 8 minutes, or until firm to touch.

Quickly toast foccacia on the BBQ, then spread the bottom half of each with a little mayo. Add a patty, spoon a little pesto on it and finish with the top half of the foccacia. Serve with a simple tomato salad.








6 comments:

Wanda said...

Yum. Oops, I just drooled on my keyboard.

Laura said...

You have totally made my day! This is totally Saturday night's dinner! I have ground turkey in my freezer just waiting for a good recipe...and fresh parsley in my garden. (As well as TON of basil, cilantro, dill, thyme and organo). Please more herb-y recipes!!!

Tammara said...

Yum - anytime I've tried to make my own burgers, they fail. But I'm inspired to try again with this one! Also, I've got tons of produce I will be sharing this year :) I look forward to seeing what you do with it :)

Katie said...

Have you tried a patty press? Ditching bread crumbs and eggs brings much better results, and mixing the raw meat as little as possible. Season lightly and add flavour with your toppings, instead!
You should have the kids do a little farmers market stand on their new swing set! I'll be a loyal customer! That would be so fun!

Laura said...

I made this last weekend! I modified the pesto with basil rather than sage. I've seemingly have an abundance of basil this year.

As you advised not to do though, I overworked the turkey. :( I'll try again!

Katie said...

Laura I am sorry they weren't as expected! Try using meat that hasn't been previously frozen, since the freezer can dry meat out.