Thanks to Healthy Eating Active Living for another healthy and delicious recipe. With regular burgers having up to 500 calories and 16g of saturated fat per 6oz patty before the bun and fixins’, burgers can get a bad rap and calories can add up quickly.

Why not make your own this summer. They are quick and simple to make and taste great. If you are looking for a leaner meat, try ground turkey or chicken.

I opted for grilled eggplant as a bun with a side salad to improve the nutrient density of this meal.

Grilled eggplant:

Peel and thickly slice and eggplant into 1/2-3/4″ slices. Lightly salt with sea salt and baste with some balsamic vinegar to get the bitterness out. Place directly on grill or use baking sheet for easier flipping. Approximate cooking time is 15 minutes.

Turkey Burger

Ingredients:

• Lean ground organic Turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red or Spanish onions, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp fresh sage
• 1 tsp fresh basil
• 1 tsp sea salt

Directions

In a bowl combine lean ground turkey, egg, diced red pepper, onions, and spices. Form into patties about 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick (They will shrink as the cook) Press in the center a little with your thumb or a spoon, so they cook evenly. Grill for about 10 minutes per side, or until center is cooked through. Top with grilled eggplant.

Originally published at HEAL