Italian Turkey Burgers

Photo: flickr user wka

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey

1/2 pound ground pork

1/4 cup diced onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 teaspoons fennel seeds roughly chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil plus

1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes

Salt to taste

Freshly-ground black pepper to taste

Olive oil for coating

Preparation

Gently combine turkey, pork, onion, garlic, fennel, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and red chile flakes in bowl. Lightly form into patties. Season all over with salt and pepper.

Preheat the grill or place cast-iron skillet over high heat. Lightly coat grill or skillet with olive oil. Sear patties until blackened on bottom, refraining from pressing. Flip and cook second side until well seared for medium-rare. (For medium or well-done, reduce heat to medium and cook a few minutes longer on each side.) Drain on paper towels. Serve hot on buns.

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.

Comments: For Italian sausage lovers - these juicy burqers carry many of the same flavors. They would be nice with a tart Italian green like arugula as topping.