Spicy Garam Masala Turkey Burgers
Garam Masala is a very old spice blend from Northern India. Its name translates as "warm spice mix”, which refers to the feeling of comfort and warmth you feel when you eat it, not the warmth of fiery foods. Garam Masala is a mild, family-friendly blend; the hottest spice in it is black pepper.
We thought the warmth of Garam Masala would go wonderfully with the more gamy nature of ground turkey, which is primarily made from dark meat unless you buy it extra-lean. It's a mild white meat with an edge, and it plays into the fragrant nutmeg and clove that help define this spice blend. You can use any kind of plain Greek yogurt you prefer. Non-fat will keep the dish lighter, but full-fat yogurt has a more round mouthfeel.
We tucked our burgers inside a pita with some lettuce and a tangy garlic sauce that comes together in minutes. Serve this with Grilled Home Fries and a beautiful, playfully seasoned homemade Ketchup.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Garam Masala
- 2 whole wheat pita pockets, cut in half to make 4
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper Fine Grind to taste
-
Iceburg or Boston lettuce, 4 leaves
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: - 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Fine Grind
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Make your burgers. In a medium sized bowl, combine ground turkey, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, scallions, garlic, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper Fine Grind, and Garam Masala. Mix well. Form into 4 oblong patties.
- Place patties on grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the burgers cook, make your dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, garlic, scallions, lemon juice, Garam Masala, Kosher Salt and Black Pepper Fine Grind. Mix well. Set aside.
- When turkey burgers reach the right temperature, remove them from grill and serve on whole wheat pitas with iceberg or Boston lettuce and dipping sauce.
