Turkey Bean Burgers -- Something Warm for the Long Days

December. Cold in. Drove Monday-Tuesday. Tree up Saturday.

Gayle had a hard Tuesday. Recovered. Hard Saturday. Recovered. The rhythm is this now. Each hard day a reminder. Each recovery a gift.

Justin has been working out with Dave in the garage. Not lifting — walking. Dave is walking again, and Justin walks with him. Father and son in the morning cold in flannel jackets. I watch from the kitchen.

Sunday: chicken soup.

I did make the chicken soup that Sunday — I always do — but the recipe I keep coming back to, the one that feeds everyone when the week has been long and the days uncertain, is these Turkey Bean Burgers. They’re hearty enough to feel like a real meal, simple enough that I can put them together without thinking too hard, and something about the routine of making them feels a little like Justin and Dave in the garage — just showing up, putting one foot in front of the other.

Turkey Bean Burgers

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 27 min | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 can (15 oz) white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 4 burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, mustard

Instructions

1. Mash the beans. In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained cannellini beans with a fork until about half are smooth and half remain slightly chunky. This gives the burgers body without making them dense.
2. Combine the mixture. Add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it or the burgers will be tough.
3. Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Press a shallow indent in the center of each with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
4. Cook the patties. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook.
5. Rest and serve. Let patties rest for 2 minutes before serving. Toast the buns if desired, then assemble with your choice of toppings.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 390 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 38g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 540mg