Don’t laugh - these are fantastic.  We ate these “naked” but you can make them into a burger with Pita bread or any type of bun.  Food and Wine had a contest among chefs to create unique burgers, then they all went on the Today Show for publicity and the TV folks raved about this one.  The original recipe was from James Boyce of Studio in the Montage resort in Laguna Beach.  I’ve modified it to put more filling and flavor in it.

One of the secrets to keeping it moist is the filling but it’s also poached in broth so it doesn’t dry out.  Once, when I ran out of couscous, I made it with Quinoa and it was just as good and probably better for you.

These also freeze well - I typically make a double batch so we have them around for a quick meal.

Spicy Poached Chicken Burgers

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup couscous
2 lbs. ground turkey
3 Tbls. chopped mint
2 tsps. ground cumin
zest of one lemon
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped

2 avocados
2 Tbls. lemon juice
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 small shallot, minced

2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp. red curry paste

pita or buns

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and stir in the couscous.  Cover the saucepan, remove from the heat and let stand until the water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes.  Fluff the couscous with a fork and let cool.

In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with the couscous, mint, cumin, lemon zest, pine nuts and 2 tsps. of salt.  Create 6 patties.  Cover the patties and refrigerate until chilled.

Coarsely mash the avocados with a fork.  Stir in the lemon juice, jalapeno, and shallot and season with salt and pepper.

In a deep skilled, bring the stock to a boil with the curry paste.  Set the burgers in the skillet and simmer over moderately low heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.  Remove the patties, cover them with foil to keep warm.  k

Boil the poaching liquid over high heat until reduced to about 3/4 cups.

Assemble the patties with the avocado relish and sauce, with or without the pita or buns.

Tags: Avocado, Ground Turkey, Turkey Burgers