Healthy Hamburgers

Healthy Hamburgers Recipe - Yogurt, Feta, Beef and Fresh Veggies

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 14 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Healthy Hamburgers are a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic American favorite. These burgers are made with lean ground beef, flavorful spices, and topped with a creamy yogurt and feta cheese sauce. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The recipe for Healthy Hamburgers was created by Al Rice from North Pole, Alaska in February 1990. Al wanted to create a healthier version of the traditional hamburger by using lean ground beef and adding fresh herbs and spices for flavor.

Ingredients

0.25 cup plus 1 tbsp plain nonfat yogurt
1 oz (28 g) crumbled feta cheese (0.25 cup)
0.5 tsp ground cumin
1 lb low fat ground beef
0.25 cup minced green onions
0.25 cup finely minced cilantro leaves
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp grated fresh gingerroot
4 lettuce leaves
20 very thin slices peeled cucumber
4 onion rolls, split and toasted

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine yogurt, cheese, and cumin. Blend with a fork until the cheese is finely crumbled. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
Combine beef and the next 4 ingredients, mixing well. Shape into 4 patties.
Cook the patties in a non-stick skillet or grill, 3 inches from the heat, for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the meat and juices are no longer pink. Drain on paper towels.
Place a lettuce leaf, 5 slices of cucumber, and a beef patty on each half of the roll. Top with 2 tbsp of the yogurt mixture and the remaining half of the roll.
Serves 4. Recipe from the files of Al Rice, North Pole, Alaska. Feb 199.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add different herbs and spices to the yogurt sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the beef patties on paper towels after cooking to remove any excess grease.

- Toasting the rolls adds a nice crunch to the burgers.

- You can customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding sliced tomatoes or avocado.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Healthy Hamburgers with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or pan-frying the beef patties are the best cooking techniques for Healthy Hamburgers.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute Greek yogurt for the plain nonfat yogurt and goat cheese for the feta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the yogurt sauce and shape the beef patties ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Healthy Hamburgers on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Healthy Hamburgers with a light and refreshing white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Healthy Hamburgers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Healthy Hamburgers contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Healthy Hamburgers contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Healthy Hamburgers contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Healthy Hamburgers are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (rolls).

Summary

Healthy Hamburgers are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Healthy Hamburgers are a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic American favorite. With lean ground beef, flavorful spices, and a creamy yogurt and feta cheese sauce, these burgers are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is both satisfying and good for you.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of sizzling burgers on the grill. Margaret smiled and handed me a plate with a beautifully cooked burger topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of homemade yogurt sauce.

I took a bite and was immediately hooked. The burger was flavorful and moist, with a perfect balance of spices and herbs. I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She explained that it was a healthy version of a classic burger, made with lean ground beef, whole grain buns, and plenty of fresh vegetables. She also mentioned that she had learned the recipe from her mother, who had passed it down to her.

I was inspired by Margaret's passion for cooking and her dedication to using fresh, wholesome ingredients. I decided then and there that I would learn how to make these healthy burgers myself. I asked Margaret for a cooking lesson, and she happily agreed.

Over the next few weeks, Margaret taught me everything I needed to know about making healthy hamburgers. She showed me how to season the meat with a blend of herbs and spices, how to form the patties just right, and how to grill them to perfection. She also taught me how to make the yogurt sauce from scratch, using Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

As I practiced making the burgers, I discovered that cooking was not just a way to nourish my body, but also a way to express my creativity and connect with others. I started experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, adding my own twist to the recipe. I swapped out the beef for ground turkey, added some grated zucchini for extra moisture, and topped the burgers with avocado slices and sprouts.

Each time I made the healthy burgers, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I loved how they brought people together around the dinner table, sparking conversations and creating memories. My family and friends raved about the burgers, and I was thrilled to share the recipe with them.

As the years went by, I continued to refine the recipe and make it my own. I learned new techniques and discovered new ingredients that enhanced the flavor and nutritional value of the burgers. I also passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, who now make the healthy burgers for their own families.

Today, whenever I make these healthy hamburgers, I think of Margaret and the joy she brought into my life through her delicious cooking. I am grateful for her friendship and the gift of her recipe, which has become a cherished tradition in my family. I hope that others will enjoy these burgers as much as we do and find inspiration in the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing a homemade meal with loved ones.