Chicken Burgers

Something different

Since I started this blog I've been avoiding red meat.  Not all together - I had a steak on my birthday, but as a general rule I'm trying to stick to fish and poultry.  I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a few months and he said my coloring looked really healthy.  I wonder if it's because I haven't been eating steaks, burgers and roasts.  I did like the occasional (beef) burger before starting this blog.  But I'm the guinea pig for my blog and a key element is eliminating red meat.   But now I have a craving for a burger, I make chicken burgers instead. 

Eggplant - a nice side dish

My chicken burger dinners have an Italian twist.  I serve the burgers with marinara and lemon and I have roasted eggplant on the side.

First, cut the eggplant in half lenght-wise and score



 

The eggplant dish is really easy.  Cut the eggplant in half lenght-wise and score a checkerboard pattern on the top, about 1/4" deep.  This makes it easier to dig out the eggplant once it's cooked.  I top with olive oil and slice tomatoes, salt and pepper.  If you'd like you can top with oregano or herbs de provence.  

 

Top with extra virgin olive oil and slice tomatoes

I top the eggplant with extra virgin olive oil and sliced plum tomatoes.  Then add salt and pepper - and perhaps some oregano or herbs de provence for a little color.  Roast at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Form patties and top with oil

I don't put anything in the burgers except for the ground chicken, extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. Don't overwork the patties and be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

Fry for 3 - 4 minutes per side till you get the grill mark char

I made the patties on the large side - I got a pound of ground chicken and made 2 patties.  I fry for 3 - 4 minutes on each side - until you get the nice grill marks and char.  I finish off in the oven at 350 degrees for about 8  minutes so the insides cook.  Notice I have the fan going and there's a window open to the right to cut down on smokey smell.

This is the look you're going for

Don't forget the candles - it helps blot out the smell of frying

Serve with marinara and lemon

The chicken can be on the bland side, so I serve with a bottled marinara (this one is Mario Batalli's) and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Ingredients

For the burgers

1/2 lb ground chicken per burger

2 tbsns extra virgin olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cup bottled marinara

Method

Pre-heat cast iron skillet over medium heat

Form the patties - two per pound

Once formed add olive oil and salt & pepper

Grill for 3 - 4 minutes per side till you get the charred grill marks

Finish off in a 350 degree oven for 8 - 10 minutes

Heat up marinara in a sauce pan or microwave

For the eggplant

1 eggplant per person

two plum tomatoes per eggplant

2 tspns extra virgin olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

1/4 tspn oregano or herbs de provence (optional)

Method

Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees

Cut eggplant lenghth-wise

Score a checkerboard pattern about 1/4" deep

Put 1 tspn olive oil over eggplant

Slice the plum tomatoes and arrange on top

Add remaining oil and salt & pepper and other spices if you wish

Bake for 45 minutes - 1 hour

Hubbell stationed outside the kitchen -

you never know when a tidbit may fall to the floor!