Once upon a time there was a girl (HINT – that’s me). And one day many moons ago, she decided to revamp her life. She was tired of eating meals that consisted entirely of double stuffed oreos, jars of Nutella, and bad-tasting dining hall macaroni and cheese. So she started eating fruits and vegetables (GASP) and running (let’s hear it for 11.15 miles today in 1:34:18 – 7.09 mph). She also started cooking and “healthifying” recipes so that she could still enjoy her old favorite foods without feeling like a lump of bone marrow afterwards. One of the many things she did along this vein was to switch out beef for extra lean turkey. And thus she was able to still enjoy burgers and lived happily ever after. Right?

WRONG. What really happened next was that she went to Trader Joe’s and happened upon a package of 96/4 extra lean ground beef! And THEN she made these beef and gorgonzola burgers from Bon Appetit’s Fast/Easy/Fresh. And it was only after that, while sitting down to a juicy cheese-stuffed burger that was hot off the George Foreman Grill, that she was able to live happily ever after. In a castle. By the sea. (Or a dorm by the Charles River).

Beef and Gorgonzola Burgers
Serves 4, adapted from Bon Appetit’s Fast/Easy/Fresh
1.2 lb extra lean ground beef (I know it’s a weird amount, but that’s how much came in the package)
4 oz gorgonzola
1 bunch arugula
1 tomato
4 english muffins/rolls/whatever you have on hand
Split the beef into 4 patties. Split each patty in half (so now you have 8 small patties). Cut the gorgonola into 4 chunks. Place one chunk on top of each small patty. Place a non-cheesed patty on top of these, sealing the edges so that you have what looks like a regular hamburger stuffed with a chunk of gorgonzola in the middle. Grill.
Take whatever carbohydrate you are using and cut it in half. Place some arugula and sliced tomato onto each half. Top it off with a burger and enjoy!
And now, seeing as how I am still me, I couldn’t leave you with just a burger recipe. Maybe some of you out there are still more strictly committed to not clogging your arteries. Maybe you are a vegetarian. Either way there’s something here for everyone. From the instant I saw these chickpea pumpkin burgers on Lisa’s Kitchen (a great vegetarian blog) I knew I would have to make them imminently. That was many months ago, but I finally got around to it and boy were they worth it! They were kind of like the cajun chickpea patties I blogged about not so long ago, but a bit sweeter from pumpkin which was really nice. In the end, I think I would choose these over the ones I made earlier.


Chickpea Pumpkin Burgers
Serves 2, adapted from Lisa’s Kitchen
1/2 cup dry chickpeas
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp coriander
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 small onion
1 clove garlic
1 jalapeno pepper
1/8 cup egg beaters – it was easier than halving an egg
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup bread crumbs
I soaked the chickpeas overnight and then made them in the crockpot on high for 2 hours. They were perfect. I may never go back to canned.
Put the pumpkin, chickpeas, spices, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and egg into a food processor and process until smooth. Stir in the flour and breadcrumbs. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
Make on a grill (I used the George Foreman) or bake or fry them. Whatever floats your boat.
Rejoice in the fact that it’s officially summer and burger season.

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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11 Responses to A Tale of Two Burgers

  1. Natashya says:

    Delish! I love burger season. We like to hide a little cheese in the middle of ours too – blue is the best!

  2. Debinhawaii says:

    Both look delicious and now I am craving a burger. (I like to stuff mine with black pepper Boursin cheese). 😉

  3. Reeni? says:

    These both look awesome! Love the chickpea with pumpkin-how creative!

  4. tigerfish says:

    That a healthy burger!

  5. Donna-FFW says:

    Both of these burgers look absolutely delicious. I am so thrilled it is grilling season too. Your running times are getting better and better..good for you!

  6. burpandslurp says:

    holy cow! both burgers sounds freaking amazing! I’m not sure which one to choose…both have my secret, fav ingredients in them: cheese and pumpkin! thus, I think I’ll have to make both of them!

  7. Hopie says:

    I have to say, I LOVE blue cheese on burgers. Now I’m craving one 🙂

  8. Joanne says:

    Natashya – I am going to have to try it with other cheeses as well – cheddar and feta, here I come!

    Deb – I have never had Boursin. I will be sure to pick some up soon.

    Reeni – It was super good. I love interesting veggie burgers – so much better than the store-bought ones.

    tigerfish – Thanks!

    Donna – I know! I was excited about that last run. My thighs don’t hurt at all which is amazing. Last week after the 11 I had to take Advil, but this week I was ready to go again the next day.

    burpandslurp – Definitely make both! They are so easy, why not.

    Hopie – Blue cheese and I have become fast friends. Luckily burgers are so easy you can have them anytime.

  9. ttfn300 says:

    great run! i am SO glad it’s burger season 🙂 love the gorgonzola addition, and the chickpea pumpkin ones sound delish!

  10. Pam says:

    I almost made that burger last week! I’m glad to see your posting, now I’m for sure making it!

  11. Joanne says:

    ttfn – Thanks! Burgers are great. Expect to see many many many more.

    Pam – Yes do! I am excited to see how you like it.

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