Herbed Turkey Burgers with Basil Pesto
I make turkey burgers all the time here at home. I like using turkey over ground beef, its healthier and if you jazz it up it can be just as delicious. I add some fresh basil pesto, the raw garlic adds a little spice and then some white cheddar melted over the top! I also love serving with sweet potato fries with a little spicy maple aioli. It’s really easy and perfect for the weeknight meal.
Ingredients
– 1 tbsp. tomato paste
–2 tbsp. parsley, minced
–1 tbsp. fresh thyme, minced
–2 garlic cloves, minced
–1 tbsp. kosher salt
–1 tsp. black pepper
–1 lb. ground turkey
–1 tbsp. olive oil
–4 slices white cheddar
–3 Milk buns
–1 roma tomato, sliced
Directions
In a large bowl add the tomato paste, herbs, garlic, and mix together. Using your hands, your best tools, add the ground turkey and gently mix all together. Make sure not to over mix. Form 3 or 4 burger patties about as big as the palm of your hand. Set aside until ready to grill.
Heat a grill pan with olive oil to medium high heat. Place burgers on the hot pan, make sure to listen for that sear. Sear the burgers on each side for about 4-5 minutes and then finish in 350 degree oven for another 3-4 minutes just until the burgers are cooked through. With one minute remaining add the cheese on top of the burger so it melts into the turkey. Once cooked let them sit and rest for a couple minutes while you toast the buns until they are just golden. Spread the basil pesto over each side, place a tomato slice on the bottom and top with the burger! Enjoy immediately!!
Basil Pesto
Ingredients
–1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
–2-3 garlic cloves
–1/2 grated parmesan
— 2 cups fresh basil leaves
— 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
–1 tbsp. salt
–1 tsp. black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, place the pine nuts on a small sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes. Just until golden.
In a food processor with a metal blade attachment add the toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse together until it’s course. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, and add the basil leaves. With the motor running drizzle in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread that beautiful pesto on top of the burger buns. If there is any extra save it and use for dipping or on pasta!
