With the weather getting warmer, barbecue season is upon us. All those great flavors and refreshing accompaniments can compliment and feed your culinary soul. When moderation goes out the window the guilt factor sets in. Barbecue foods are delicious, but they are typically high in saturated fat, chock full of calories, and low in fiber. Because nobody is a bigger barbecue fan than me, I made it my mission to reinvent some of the traditional barbecue dishes that will satisfy even the most diehard barbecue fans.

Turkey Burgers (What) oh yes.
Nothing says barbecue like a good, juicy burger. A regular 4-ounce beef burger has 300 calories and 20 grams of fat. (not thinking about all the fixing) Swapping extra lean ground turkey for typical ground beef to save calories nearly by half, leaves the meat very dry, but I added in spices to add a boost of flavor without calories and some great olive oil for moisture. Now it is the cooking technique that does it. A two-zone grill. Hot sear 1 minute per side and then a low temp cooking till done.  

Make this recipe yours by adding your own touches and submitting it to me at my website for a grill cook off.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
• 1/2 red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste (white pepper preferred)

Instructions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients and divide into four patties. 2. Heat on a grill pan or grill and cook the turkey burgers until desired temperature.

Serve with all the desired fixing and enjoy. Please make sure you toast the bread for a contrast in texture and drizzle with Olive oil instead of spreading with Mayonnaise.