The All Deceiving Low-Fat Burger and Fries.

by John & Chris
(Cape Cod, MA)

When you talk about low-fat meals that are a substitute for the traditional "Burger and Fries" almost no one thinks of sweet potatoes and ground turkey.

Sweet potatoes were considered a Thanksgiving holiday vegetable that, to kids and most adults is just too bland to eat.

However, given our fight to reduce fat, eating less saturated fat and transfats, sweet potatoes and ground turkey are now right out front on supermarket shelves.

Also, given the onslaught of home cooking shows we are more accustomed to trying new and tasty meal substitutes over traditional comfort foods.

While both Chris and I prefer lean ground sirloin to turkey, every now and then we prepare this alternative to the sirloin burger and frozen fries.

From a nutritional standpoint, the fat content is about 1 gram for the sweet potatoes and approximately 3 grams for the turkey burger, so this is definitely a healthier choice, especially if you prefer red meat.

One word of caution.... Super Sizing is prohibited otherwise you just may as well eat a regular burger and fries..

So try this alternative to a regular burger and fries... you might be surprised just as we were, especially knowing the benefits of consuming less fat in your daily life.

Bon Appetit!


INGREDIENTS:

Fries -
4 large sweet potatoes
2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Spray Pam
2 Tsp onion powder
1 Tsp garlic powder
1 Tsp oregano
1 Tsp paprika
½ Tsp ground cumin
¼ Tsp cayenne pepper

Burgers -
1 Lb ground turkey (Bell & Evans turkey is best)
¼ Cup uncooked oatmeal (Plain instant oatmeal is ok too)
2 Cups chopped spinach (canned or frozen)
2 Egg whites
2 Tsp garlic powder
Black Cracked pepper to taste

Fries Preparation -

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Clean the potatoes and peel if you prefer.
Slice the potatoes into half inch wedges, or strips if you prefer the french fry look.
Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cumin and cayenne pepper together in a small dish, then mix the olive oil and spices together letting them sit for 5 minutes.

Place potatoes in a large bowl then pour mixture onto the potatoes, covering completely.
Place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (easier cleanup).
When oven has reached 450, bake for 30 minutes turning them at least once during that time.

Serves 4.


Turkey Burger Preparation -

Pour can of spinach in bowl or let the frozen spinach defrost in a bowl.
Drain water out using a colander.
Chop dry oatmeal in blender for 30 seconds. If you don't have a blender, put oatmeal in a plastic bag and pound with a rolling pin.
Pour into a small dish then mix in the garlic powder.
Remove yolk from eggs and discard leaving the egg whites.
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together with the egg whites as if you are making Louise's Meatballs.
Shape into 4 meatballs then flatten to patties (each approximately ½ inch thick).
Grill burgers 3-4 minutes each side until cooked through.

Note, you can spray a small about of Pam in the pan prior to grilling.

Serves 4.

Tip:
Add another side of vegetables such as green beans and you'll have a meal that everyone will enjoy.

Should you enjoy this low-fat alternative to burger and fries and enjoy Italian style cooking then visit www.easy-everyday-cooking-recipes.net


P.S. - Don't tell the kids what is in the burger....they just might want more!