Last Saturday, I went to a football game played between U of Illinois and Northern Illinois University. It was my first football game experience and honestly, I went without knowing the rules. Looking back, I should've had paid more attention to the game. I don't remember much about it except few amazing touchdowns (Nathan Scheelhaase is so talented!). But, I have a reasonable excuse. A guy who stood in front of me during the game ate three burgers in a row. There was something about the way he ate the burgers..or maybe I was just too hungry. I couldn't stop staring at the burger!! Okay, i know it's not a "reasonable" excuse but thanks to that guy, I didn't have to think about what I should eat for dinner. As soon as I came back to my apartment, I was eager to make my own burger that would surpass the not-so-healthy-looking burger I was craving the whole game. And I did it! It's called "Skinny Pesto Turkey Burger."
Ingredients
93% lean Jennie-O ground turkey
100% whole wheat sandwich thins
1tbsp. light mayo
1tbsp. low-fat basil-spinach pesto (see below)
1tsp. mustard (I used horseradish mustard)
Baby spinach, sliced tomato, red onions and mushrooms for topping
Non-stick spray
1tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Apply non-stick spray and sautee sliced mushrooms and red onions until browned. Set aside.
3. In another skillet, add olive oil and cook the patty, about 5 minutes on each side.
(Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the patty right before adding it to the skillet.)
4. Spread mayo and pesto on one side and mustard on the other side. Assemble the burger as shown above.
5. Enjoy!
Low-fat *no nuts* basil-spinach pesto
Ingredients
1cup finely chopped fresh basil
1cup finely chopped baby spinach
1/4cup light ricotta cheese
1/3cup parmesan cheese
1/2tsp. minced garlic
1tbsp. olive oil
1/8tsp. salt, pepper and nutmeg
2tbsp. flax seed (optional)
Add 1/4cup water or little more so that the ingredients don't get stuck inside the blender.
Directions
1.Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until well-mixed.
