Imagine walking around any city in America, deciding you’re hungry, and popping into a local sandwich shop or diner for a quick burger and fries.  Most Americans can do that at a moment’s notice.  Those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance can not.  That’s why we get really excited when we’re in a city like New York where there are more than the average number of gluten-free restaurants or at least restaurants with gluten-free menus. Many restaurants claim to be gluten-friendly.  That means that they understand what gluten is, and they will be easy to work with as you chose something from their menu that is naturally gluten-free.  Your meal will be prepared using measures to prevent cross-contamination, and you should be able to eat safely and healthily.  Thank you.  We appreciate restaurants like you. But when a restaurant actually has gluten-free breads, buns, pancakes, desserts, or pizzas that are traditionally made with gluten, we go a little nuts.  In fact, my family will take road trips, planes, buses, and trains just to find such a rare eatery.

Friedman’s Lunchis one such gem of a restaurant.  Not only do they provide sandwiches on gluten-free bread and burgers on gluten-free buns, but they also make buttermilk fried chicken.  And there are waffles and pancakes on their breakfast menu!  If I had only known before my last day in the city!  The menu items that can be made gluten-free are designated with a black dot.  Almost every item had a black dot.  Options make a gluten-free cat deliriously happy. Normally, that Husband and I order two completely different dishes when we’re at a gluten-free restaurant.   If I can’t make up my mind, he’ll order my second choice so that I can enjoy both.  I love that guy.

But this time the southwestern turkey burger called to both of us, and boy were we glad that we each had our own.  Thank you, Friedman’s Lunch for offering such an extensive gluten-free menu.  If you haven’t tried their food yet, what are you waiting for?  Get down to Chelsea Market and order yourself a plate of good ole’ American goodness. Eating this southwestern turkey burger at Friedman’s Lunch inspired me to create a burger recipe of my own.  These burgers were incredible.  Turkey burgers can be a little dense and dry, but mine were moist, light, airy, and packed with a little kick that will make your tastebuds happy.  Enjoy!

 

 

Southwestern Turkey Burgers

by Heather

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. ground turkey
• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 large jalepeno pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 T. cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 T. cumin
• ¼ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Cholula hot sauce
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper

Directions:

1.  Heat grill to medium-high.

2.  Mix ingredients very gently, being careful not to overwork the meat (which can make burgers dense). Gently form the meat into 12 equal-sized patties.

3.  Place on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

4.  Serve on your favorite gluten-free bun and top with sliced avocado and fresh tomato salsa.

Makes 12 large, incredibly delicious burgers.