Let’s start off with a hypothetical, shall we?

What would you do if……you woke up to 60 degree weather. In the middle of March. In New York. (Because if you lived in, say, Hawaii then you’d probably throw on a winter jacket and turn up the heat. Not exactly the answer I’m going for here.)

But Joanne, you say. That’s a ridiculous question. It’s like asking what five things you would bring to a deserted island should you happen to foresee that you will be stuck there for the rest of eternity. (Seriously though. If you knew you were going to be stranded like that. Wouldn’t you do everything in your power to avoid that fate rather than plan what things you would bring with you? Sheesh.) Because that would never. Happen.


That’s what I thought. Until I woke up on Saturday morning. TO SUMMER.

Okay. Maybe not summer. But to my cold-adapted skin. 60 degrees. Actually felt more like 90. I even turned off my heat. (Now that is crazy.)

So to get back to my original question. It’s 60 degrees. On a Saturday. In March. What is your plan of action?

No ideas? (I know, I’m blowing your mind with this warm weather thing. But focus people. Focus.)

Well. Obviously you put on your bathing suit. Lather yourself in sunscreen. Instruct your skin cells to get excited because after a long hiatus, vitamin D has finally returned. And then you head out. To the pool.

But then the weirdest thing happens. Because you walk outside.

And for some ungodly reason. You are surrounded by cement. And really tall buildings.

Um HELLO. Didn’t anyone get the memo? Where is the sand? And the really hot pool boys? In Speedos?

Confused, as ever, and still convinced that something very mysterious was going on (what is the point of warm weather if there is no pool to enjoy it with. Just makes no sense. It had be here somewhere) I walked around the block a few times (still in my bathing suit). Trying to figure out where they were hiding the beach resort.

All I found. Was more cement. About fifty Starbucks. And even taller buildings. So I returned. Empty-handed. And kind of cold.

Drastic times call for desperate measures.

I checked my voicemail. (That’s a lie. I still haven’t figured out how to set up my voicemail. Really. I checked my email. But voicemail sounds better.) And was shocked to find that there were still no messages from the government telling me that I was immediately being relocated to a tropical isle in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

What’s up with THAT?

At this point. I started to get kind of discouraged. And desperate. So I went back downstairs. And tried to convince my doorman to make me a pina colada. He didn’t seem too enamored with the idea.

So then I did the only thing I could think of that would come close to resolving any of this.

I made burgers.

But not just any burgers. These were actually the best burgers I have ever had. I know you’re thinking, Really? A turkey burger?

I was skeptical as well. But trust me on this one. They are bursting with flavor. And so juicy. That they may just make you forget the fact that the closest you’re going to get to Cancun is to try to convince your doorman that part of his job description is to mix you a pina colada. And serve it to you while you sit under the umbrella and beach chair that you’ve set up in the lobby.

Now that. Is a powerful burger.
Spicy Turkey Burgers
Serves 4, adapted from Bon Appetit Fast/Easy/Fresh

1 1/4 lb ground turkey (I used dark meat)
1 cup mild salsa
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1/4 cup minced cilantro
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Mix ground turkey, 1/2 cup salsa, shallots, cilantro, 1 tablespoons oil, hot sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper in large bowl. Shape turkey mixture into four 3 1/2- to 4-inch-diameter patties.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add burgers; cook until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low. Sauté until burgers are cooked through, about 4 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serve on the avocado-guacamole buns you’ve just made from Healthy Bread in Five Minutes A Day. Yes it is bread stuffed with avocado, tomatoes, and garlic. And it is whole wheat. Can you think of a better vessel for these? Because I can’t.

These rolls have been yeastspotted! And remember to check out the HBinFive round-up at Big Black Dog on the 14th!
REMEMBER – BSI: carrots, due by the 14th! Regional Recipes: Ireland due by the 31st! Email your entries to me at [email protected].

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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84 Responses to Spicy Turkey Burgers on Avocado-Guacamole Buns

  1. Mmmm….that’s a delicious looking burger. I like the idea of using the avocado guacamole dough for buns.

  2. Debbi Smith says:

    I’m making burgers tonight too, but these turkey burgers look fantastic. The buns, even better. The weather, I’m jealous as can be. I am SO want spring!

  3. Yummy! I wish I hadn’t started my diet!

  4. Shirley says:

    Joanne,
    You need to come to my side of the globe and Beat the Heat! Thats a very filling burger.

  5. Awesome burgers especially with those scrumptious avocado-guacamole buns!

  6. I made burgers too to celebrate the New England “heat” wave. Grilling makes me so happy. Avocado Bread. I must try this!

  7. Shannon says:

    it was crazy 🙂 but burgers are the perfect way to celebrate!!

  8. Joanne… you need to marry well so that your spouse gets a job on that tropical isle… send them off to work, and you get to cook, and swim all day for 6 months…

    My plan is coming to gether

  9. Elra says:

    Mhhh, that sounds like the ultimate burger. I cook ground turkey pretty often, also make it into kofta, basically almost the same like burger patty, only smaller. Next time, I’ll take your idea of making it into burger. Delicious Jo!

  10. Burgers look great. any luck with getting your doorman to mix you a drink 🙂

  11. Amy says:

    Will you laugh at me (or think I’m crazy) if I tell you that 60 degrees is still cold to me? Having said that, it’s amazing how warm 60 feels when you’re used to 20 degrees. So I get what you’re sayin’. I was meant to live in Hawaii…or San Diego. But at least I’m heading in the right direction soon.

    As for being stranded on a desert island – I want MacGyver to be with me. And pie. And these turkey burgers. I’d be set.

  12. Dear,
    The burger looks very delectable. Where do you get the time to blog,study and host events? You must be powered like that “energizer” bunny they show on TV. I am so Jealous!

  13. Pam says:

    Burgers from our favorite cookbook!

  14. Brad says:

    Yum sounds great thanks for the recipe.

  15. Linda says:

    Burger of any kind is tops in my book… well not exactly… I am a little picky… greasy tasteless messes some people call burgers is not my idea of a burger…

    but I do love burgers… not sure about the turkey though… my brain screams.. where’s the beef…

    but I did like my turkey meatloaf… so I will have to try this too… thanks!

  16. Gulmohar says:

    That sounds wonderful..Normally, burger means chicken or cheese or veggie for my family 😀 But i’m sure my kids will love this 🙂

  17. Mo Diva says:

    joanne, can you please come cook for me!? your talent is being wasted in med school (jk)

  18. Cynthia says:

    Oh my gosh, that bread sounds delicious! The burgers don’t sound too bad either ;)! The solution to waking up to reality (meaning not on a tropical beach) is to drink…lots. And make sure it’s something tropical and fruity but that still packs a punch, like mojitos, pina coladas, margaritas, capirhainas and mai tais. But be sure to call me when the party starts!

  19. Luigi says:

    Joanne, that looks amazing! Absolutely delicious!

  20. Even though it only got up to 50 here I was ready to go through the meling snow to look for any sign of spring coming up through the snow. I think it will be a while!

    Great idea to make buns from the dough and the turkey burgers sound fantastic!

  21. Mari says:

    this post made me crack up! it has been so pretty in ny for the last couple of days…can I dare say it? Spring IS coming!

    Those burgers look divine. where do you come up with all these fantastic ideas? I would love to take a tour of your brain! I bet it looks like the willy wonka factory

  22. s says:

    Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  23. love the idea of avocado buns. and that surely looks very very temting and full of flavour.

  24. Kris says:

    those buns are genius!!!

  25. Kim says:

    60 degrees in NY, during the month of March? I’m surprised, but glad to hear it. That’s flip flop weather;D

    I love that the burger is packed with all kinds of flavor: cilantro, salsa, and sriracha! I know I would love it.

    I really need to get back on the HBin5 breadwagon! It’s hard to believe, but I haven’t felt like making bread lately. I really want to try the avocado recipe though. I think it sounds terrific. Your buns look great;D

  26. Pam says:

    Wowsers…that’s a great looking burger! YUM!

    xoxo

  27. Andreas says:

    Ah, burgers.
    Everybody needs a bit of Maillard reaction in his life. 🙂

  28. Bob says:

    Heh, I’ve had the heat off in my Boston apartment, during the day, for most of the last week. It’s wicked weird.

    Those burgers look awesome, I love turkey burgers. And fresh rolls? Yes. Yes, please.

  29. Marcia says:

    Okay yum. I will have to try those buns. I have that cookbook.

  30. msmeanie says:

    These burgers sound fab, and avocado buns — hello!! I can just eat those on their own, they sound amazing. Glad to hear NY warmed up a bit!

  31. Mimi says:

    Wow, I need that book. Avocado buns, who knew?!

    I sort of understand your warm weather thing. I planned a trip from California to Upstate NY in November a few years back and everyone told me to pack like it was the arctic. I obediently did so. I get there and they have freakish 80 degree weather the whole week I was there. We barbequed the Thanksgiving turkey. Strange.

  32. Danielle says:

    oh man….your doorman wouldn’t make you a pina colada? that bites! Your burger is amazing!!! and the buns look wonderful!

  33. Mary says:

    This is seriously good looking food. The flavors were playing in my mouth as I read the recipe. This is a winner for sure. Nicely done!

  34. Faith says:

    Joanne, you read my mind. I was just telling Mike that I’m seriously craving burgers! Or BBQ chicken. Or corn on the cobb. Lol, I guess I’m craving summer. Anyway, your burgers (and the buns!) look amazing!

  35. Laurie says:

    Waking up to 60 degree weather is even warm for us So. Cal kids in Winter! I’m so glad you came up with the next best thing and created these flavorful burgers to share with us!

  36. Forget the burger, just give me that bread! Yummy!! Ok, I’ll have the burger too – and the pina coloda (after Lent ::sigh::). Meet you in the lobby 🙂

  37. I’ve never met a turkey burger that I liked. But I totally trust you and would give this a try. Especially on those fantastic buns! They sound out of this world delicious.

  38. gaga says:

    Both the burger and the bun look amazing. How creative. It must taste heavenly.

  39. Chris says:

    Sriracha in a burger? You are getting me excited, cut it out;)

  40. Pam says:

    Love the burger – great flavors. Love the bun too – YUM!

  41. Definitely the best way to celebrate the heat wave!
    We are fairly mild here too.. not quite as mild as you. I woke up the other day and the temp reading had for some reason jumped to Fahrenheit. Said 35 and I really did think it was the coming of the apocalypse. Turns out it was 35 American..
    Thanks for the sriracha in the burger tip! I have a huge jug of it in my fridge. Great idea!

  42. awesome burgers, love that you made rolls
    he he sorry to confuse with flapjacks but funny to confuse Brits vs American love it

  43. i love your comments. red hair? or sexy spice! =D

    pistachio larabars and i don’t get along. i ate one with a shell in it. UGH!

    tests and labs afterwards SUCK ASS.

  44. theUngourmet says:

    I think your doorman should mix up a pitcher of pina coladas! 😀

    Great looking burgers and I’m just crazy for the buns!

    Ugh! I forgot about the carrots! I’d better hurry up!

  45. you got me here : what is sriracha? sounds interesting!
    Love those burgers I don’t think I have had a burger in at least a year!
    You made me chuckle with your post as usual; reminded me of the english who get in their bikinis when the weather turns to 60 outside and when one ray of sunshine shines on their blessed England for about 35 seconds.

  46. sophia says:

    Holy shit. That burger is the BOMB! Joanne, I swear. Do you do mail order? Because I would get all my bread from you, starting with that roll! AAAH!!

  47. Graziana says:

    yum, burger recipes… I always love to try new ones!

  48. Barbara says:

    Joanne, you have a major player with this turkey burger! It looks divine and I’m so impressed you made that awesome bun as well!
    Keeping my fingers crossed that your weather continues…no more snow, please.

  49. sra says:

    I visited NY in 2003 for a cousin’s wedding in May – and had to borrow a heavy winter coat and muffler, gloves, etc, to fight the cold – everyone that saw me there was hooting with laughter. Last year, I went in June/July, all prepared – and it blazed down on me!

  50. SE says:

    delicious burger…hey I woke up to 60 deg too couple of days back..what a relief..

  51. Caronae says:

    Your genius has just migrated to a whole other level. Who would have that to bake the burger toppings into the bun? Probably not me. But I also wouldn’t have thought to ask my (nonexistent) doorman for a pina colada…

    The weather has been so nice that I can hardly stand it. I hope winter doesn’t return, but I think it might be inevitable…le sigh.

  52. Yasmeen says:

    Fabulous burger from scratch to celebrate the warmth 😀

  53. Sophie says:

    hello Joanne!

    What a tasty burger!!! MMMMM,…and that bun looks so goood too!

  54. Malar Gandhi says:

    Looks wonderful, mouthwatering dish..

  55. Azita says:

    i love turkey burgers and this sounds so delicious! and the avocado buns look so yummy!

  56. dessert girl says:

    Those buns sounds AMAZING!! Avocados are the best. It’s going to be 64 here in MI today. Crazy! But crazy good!

  57. Muneeba says:

    The weather has been pretty dreamy, huh?! Well, now we’ve got rain, so that was the end of that! Still, those turkey burgers look seriously good … meaty & satisfying .. and a huge mouthful .. just what I want in a burger!

  58. Angie says:

    These burgers look really good! I have been using lots of ground turkey too, cheap and healthy!

  59. Srivalli says:

    Great looking burgers..

  60. Honestly all i think of right now (besides food ie)is how to avoid our very hot summer too…besides parking myself in aircons the whole day …wellwe need to fix one in the kitchen soon too….
    oh i dreamt of snow last night and it was fantastic…me dancing in the snow clicking pics et all…..

    and back to ur recipe…fantastic as ever gurl …u rock …as always….
    and am so so glad u love pink and ploka dots …i do too,am still posting on VSSF but will move soon as my laptop is back ….

  61. Alisa says:

    Wow, mother nature sure can’t make up her made over there!

    Turkey burgers can be sooo fantastic, and I think you may have mastered an awesome recipe here. Perhaps one that could be served up at a shack on a beach in the middle of the Caribbean?

  62. ruchikacooks says:

    Summer already? You are lucky Gal. You have a good point, why ponder over five things when you can miss that flight 😉

    The best way to eat these burgers will be on the beach..excellent way to welcome summer.

  63. Joanne, you’re the best. 🙂 Your doorman must adore the sunshine and craziness you bring into his life. 🙂 I love all the bits you put in these burgers! So many favorite flavors all in one place. Delish. 🙂

  64. Nicole, RD says:

    I’m so glad you’re getting some awesome weather! It’s been pretty amazing in Tulsa, not gunna lie! That burger looks like the best burger one could eat. I love everything you make!!

  65. Lea Ann says:

    You have a great imagination! 🙂 Love your writing. This burger looks great. Great minds think alike, I’m making a chicken burger tonight with Mexican spices, avocado and some salsa mayo. You’ll have to watch for it on my blog.

  66. tigerfish says:

    You funny lady! It is almost 90s all year round in one part of the world – Singapore. And humid! Yucks.

    I can’t wait to go home to California!

  67. Kerstin says:

    LOL, love it. I went on a run in shorts last weekend, and just thinking about it makes me smile! I’ve been craving a big juicy burger lately and yours definitely looks like it would hit the spot!

  68. Debinhawaii says:

    Hey! We aren’t that bad in Hawaii. 60 degrees means sweats, socks and a light blanket at night–no winter jackets. 😉

    The burgers look delicious!

  69. Michelle says:

    WOW…your buns turned out super! And I like the idea of cilantro in the turkey burger. You do have to spice them up a bit and cilantro sounds like a good flavor to add!

  70. katiez says:

    Great burger! Great story! And here’s what I would do: get a fresh baquette, a bottle of wine, a good cheese, go to the nearest park and have a picnic – on a blanket. Bring 2 glasses so you can share…

  71. Katy ~ says:

    Oh that burger sounds fabulous!! And those avocado buns sounds like the perfect choice with these. Irresistible!

  72. Cristie says:

    Your burger looked great and the bun made with that bread must have been awesome. What a cook! What a story!

  73. vickys says:

    Ahh Joanna, love reading your blog, especially on this gorgeous rainy day here in hotHOT Singapore. Those burgers looks supremely delicious! And the avocado buns must’ve made it even yummier. I used to make turkey burgers alot coz the pork I used to get smelled…weird. So I preferred turkey!

  74. Bonnie says:

    I love Turkey burgers. It looks so good on the bun.

  75. Jenny says:

    Those turkey burgers look great. We had turkey burgers with the pesto bread, but just the frozen variety. I should make some of these up, but then I am afraid the frozen ones wouldn’t pass muster anymore!
    ~Jenny~

  76. Petra says:

    lol, as for the guys in speedos…they are all here in Germany! I have to bust your bubble though..they are not all hot

  77. Ezzie says:

    Most turkey burgers tend to be dry but your’s looks great! Thanks for the recipe!

  78. Joy says:

    Great idea to use the bread for a burger! They look fantastic!

  79. Old Pop says:

    Shouldn’t you be studying something other than pool guys? Or is that anatomy? Thanks for the turkey burger recipe.

  80. I don’t eat turkey, but these buns are downright intriguing. Thanks for introducing me to something new :).

  81. Elwood says:

    Those buns look great and the burger yummy. I agree with Petra, the ones who should wear the speedos usually don’t!

  82. Looks wonderful! I made hot dog buns from this dough, it was great.

    I am not familiar with sriracha. What kind of spice is that?

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