Red meat makes my tummy hurt a little. I like to find red-meat alternatives to this grilling favorite. However, there are sometimes that you just need a little taste of the classics.

CHICKPEA AND SWEET POTATO BURGER  

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups dried chickpeas (also called garbanzos)
• non-stick cooking spray
• 3 tbs of tahini
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbs curry powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 small sweet potato (peeled and shredded)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, soak the chickpeas in 4 cups of water overnight (12-24 hours). It is crucial to use dried chickpeas and not cut corners with the canned version. The dried ones help it keep a crispier texture. If you use canned chickpeas, you will have a nice hummus like paste, not burgers;
2. Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a cookie sheet with non-stick spray when ready to cook burgers;
3. Drain chickpeas well;
4. In a food processor, process chickpeas, tahini, spices and  baking powder, scraping down the sides when needed. Continue until the mixture holds when pinched between two fingers;
5. Transfer chickpea mixture into a large bowl and combine shredded sweet potato;
6. Form into 4-5 burgers, place on cookie sheet, spray tops with non-stick spray and cover with tin foil. Bake 20 minutes;
7. Remove foil, flip burgers, coat with non-stick spray and cook uncovered until golden an additional 10-15 minutes;
8. Serve with the works and watch them disappear!

QUINOA BURGERS

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 small onion (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 3 tbs tomato sauce
• 1 tbs mustard
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F;
2. LIne a cookie sheet with tin foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray;
3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl;
4. Drop 6 heaps onto cookie sheet and form into a patty shape;
5. Place in oven for 25 minutes;
6. Flip burgers and cook for 15 more minutes until golden and almost crispy;
7. Top with your choice and enjoy the sensation of your taste buds dancing.

APPLE MAPLE TURKEY BURGERS

INGREDIENTS:

For Maple-Dijon Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup

For Burgers:

• 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey breast
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits
• 1/2 cup chunky applesauce
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Set up grill for direct cooking over medium heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.

For Maple-Dijon Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, stir to combine mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup; set aside.

For Turkey Burgers:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients for burgers. (Wet hands to prevent sticking and shape into 4 patties.)
2. Place burgers on hot oiled grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until done.
3. Serve on buns with traditional burger condiments and a dollop of maple-dijon sauce.