MUSHROOM AND TURKEY BURGERS

Mushroom and Turkey Burgers image

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 1h

Yield Eight 4.5-ounce patties or six 6-ounce patties

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound ground turkey, preferably light meat
1 pound roasted mushroom base
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced or pureed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped mint or dill
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon baharat (see below)
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more to taste)
1 egg
1 to 2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil for the pan
Hamburger buns (preferably whole wheat), lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and the usual burger fixings
Baharat
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 tablespoons allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
optional: paprika, coriander seeds, sumac, cardamom seeds

Steps:

To make the baharat, grind the peppercorns, allspice berries, and cumin seeds to a powder in an electric spice mill. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Store in a spice jar, away from light and heat.
In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, mushroom base, onion, garlic, chopped herbs, salt, baharat, cayenne and egg. Form 6 to 8 patties and place them on a plate or a lightly oiled sheet pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Heat 1 or 2 large, heavy skillets over medium-high heat and add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom (about 1 tablespoon). When the pans are hot, add the patties and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to the parchment-lined sheet pan and place in the oven for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, let sit for a couple of minutes, and serve.