Turkey & Zucchini Burgers

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At this time of the year in Wisconsin, we see a lot of zucchini and summer squash.   I never mind getting the squash in my CSA box or from my friends, because it is so versatile.  This recipe is adapted from Simply Recipes, a great food blog with tons of excellent recipes + pictures (unlike mine).  According to Elise Bauer, "The shredded zucchini added to the mix makes these turkey burgers incredibly moist. Both turkey and zucchini can be a little dull flavor-wise, but you when boost them with herbs and spices like mint, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and cayenne, they are anything but dull."

  • 1 pound ground turkey meat
  • Just under 2 cups, lightly packed, coarsely grated zucchini
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced, onion greens included
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (tender stems included)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
    •  
    Sour cream sauce:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
    •  
    Make the sour cream sauce by placing all of the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stirring until combined. Chill until ready to use.
    In a large bowl place the grated zucchini, sliced green onions, chopped mint, cilantro, and garlic, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir to combine. Mix in the ground turkey until the zucchini mixture is well distributed through the ground turkey.
    Form 3 to 4 inch wide patties, placing them on a baking sheet. Work with the patties carefully since they are very moist.
    Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium. Working in batches, place the patties in the pan. Let cook for about 5 minutes, then flip the patties over and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to brown and to gently cook all the way through.
    Once the first batch of patties are done, remove to a paper towel-lined plate while you cook the second batch. Or you can keep the patties warm in a 200°F oven.
    Serve with the sour cream sauce.
     
    Adapted from Simply Recipes.com

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