Because Canadian summers are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. These burgers are so easy to make and are family friendly.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground turkey
• 1 small zucchini, grated; or 1 cup grated
• 1–2 tbsp. maple syrup
• ½–1 tsp. dried thyme (if you like this flavour add the full tsp.)
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Grate zucchini until you get 1 cup’s worth, squeeze out the excess water.

Add grated zucchini to the ground meat.

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and maple syrup. Mix together well.

Divide into four equal parts and freeze for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This keeps your patties from falling apart, helps prevent sticking, and traps juices in to keep them moist.

Place on heated BBQ at 200–220 °C (400–425 °F) and cook 5–6 minutes per side.

Yields 4 standard-sized patties

In winter months

You can pan fry these (using 1–2 tablespoons of coconut or avocado oil). Sear on high for 2 minutes without moving patties to form a golden crust. Flip and reduce heat to medium, cooling covered for about 5 minutes or until they reach and internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F).

To save time

Double the recipe and keep four patties tightly wrapped in the freezer for a quick and easy diner protein.

Angela Wallace, MSc, RD

A registered dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, personal trainer, and family-food expert who specializes in women and child nutrition and fitness, she loves helping families get healthy together.

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