Spice Up Your Weekend: South of the Border Burgers...

I have a little confession to make: I love burgers, but I don't like boring burgers! So when I make burgers at home, I try to come up with original and fun ways to change them up using different flavor combinations with whatever I have on hand in the kitchen. Last night, I had everything I needed to make tacos -- except tortillas! I was already in my pajamas, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with a taco-inspired burger. The burger was full of flavor...and once again? My laziness paid off with a delicious dinner...

This burger has several layers of flavor! Ground turkey is seasoned with spices and salsa, and the burger is topped with melted monterey jack cheese, chunky salsa, the cilantro-lime crema that I make for my fish tacos, and slices of buttery avocado. Each bite is full of spicy goodness...if you like your burgers on the extra-spicy side, like Michael does? Simply add some sliced jalapeno or serrano peppers to your burger before you put the cheese on top. 

South of the Border Burgers

Step 1:  Make the cilantro-lime crema by combining the following ingredients: 1 small container sour cream, the zest and juice of one lime, 1 sliced green onion, salt, pepper, a dash of Tabasco, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 tbs. dried cilantro. Stir to combine and put in the fridge to combine flavors.

Step 2:  Make the burgers by combining the following ingredients in a mixing bowl: 1 lb. ground turkey, 1/3 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup chunky salsa, 1 tbs. chilli powder, 1 tbs. dried cilantro, 1 tsp. cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and one egg.  

Mix well with clean hands until everything is combined. If you have time, refrigerate the meat mixture for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 3:  Preheat a large non-stick skillet on med-high for about 5 minutes. Shape the burger mixture into four patties. Cook the burgers for about 6 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Top each patty with a mound of shredded monterey jack cheese. If you have sliced cheese on hand, you could use that too. This is where you'd add sliced serrano or jalapeno peppers if you want to up the heat level.

Step 4:  To assemble the burgers, toast a hamburger bun. Slather some of the cilantro-lime crema on the bottom bun. Top with a cheeseburger patty, then add slices of avocado. Spoon some chunky salsa on the top bun.

Carefully place the top bun on the burger and eat. Make sure to serve these burgers with plenty of paper towels since we discovered they can be a bit messy to eat...but aren't sloppy burgers more fun to eat?!?!? I kept it simple and served these burgers with tortilla chips, but corn on the cob with butter and a sprinkle of chili powder and salt would be a good match as well!!

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