Feta Jalapeno Turkey Burgers with Red Cabbage Slaw

Well hello again! I know it has been a while since I have put up a recipe–The past few weeks have been crazy with traveling, both Cameron and my sister’s graduations, job hunting, and getting all set to move in 10 days! I swear I have only eaten at home a handful of times this month, and I am craving at least the most minimal form of routine. This will definitely not happen until we are all settled in Houston though, so I am doing my best to acknowledge that my life is in a sort of limbo stage, and that eating out is not only convenient right now, but it also allows me to spend quality time with family and friends before moving.

I want to touch on this a bit. I often talk about how food is fuel for our bodies, but it is also so much more. Going out to eat and the fact that food is at the center of many of our social gatherings is often times viewed so negatively, and I want everyone to stop and ask themselves, why? Meals are often the one time of day family and friends can sit down and have quality time together, whether that is at home or at a restaurant. They represent time spent with loved ones, memories, and culture. Especially during this time of my life, I am thankful for the meals I get to share with people. Whether that is a potluck, where I get to try out a new recipe on my friends without the stress of crafting a full meal in a kitchen that is the size of a closet, or going out to dinner at a new restaurant; the focus isn’t actually on food, it is about who that food is shared with. So, rather than get down on myself for eating out of my own home so often this month, I am seeing it for what it is–spending time with people and enjoying new places in the city I am about to move away from. Some people don’t have these luxuries, and it is so important to not take these type of things fore granted.

Now, let’s talk about these turkey burgers.

I love turkey (and regular beef burgers too!) burgers because they are so fun to play around with various flavors. If you are picturing turkey as being dry and flavorless, think again. These are super juicy and packed with herbs and spices that leave your taste buds singing.

Ingredients:

Burger:

1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)

1 small jalapeno, diced

1/3 cup feta cheese

2 tsp worcestershire

1 T chopped cilantro

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp olive oil

1 pinch oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Red Cabbage Slaw:

2 cups red cabbage, sliced

1 english cucumber, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, shredded

1/2 cup red onion, sliced

2 T vegetable oil

2 T white wine vinaigrette

2 tsp dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

1.5 tsp lime juice

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add meat and ingredients to a large bowl and knead using hands until ingredients are dispersed in meat. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Form into 4 patties and set aside.
2. Heat up oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook until no longer pink the middle, ~4-5 minutes per side.
3. While the burgers are cooking, assemble the dressing for the slaw. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Stick in fridge until ready to eat.
4. Assemble burger on toasted onion bun or bun of choice. Add slaw on top. I also added a pickle which went nicely with the slaw.