A Healthy Take on Burgers

You need not use meat substitutes or tofu for a healthier burger. With a few changes in ingredients, you can have healthier and authentic-tasting burgers as proven by this Martha Stewart recipe. It is leaner, full of fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Grilled Burgers and Vegetables on a Bun



Burgers



2 lbs lean ground beef or turkey

1 cup minced basil leaves

1 fresh red chili pepper, minced

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

salt to taste



Vegetables

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 large green zucchini, cut into 1-inch-thick slices

2 medium tomatoes, preferably heirloom or orange, cut into 1-inch-thick slices

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt



Toasted whole-wheat buns



1. Preheat grill. Combine ingredients for burgers in a mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

2. Marinate vegetables in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and vinegar.

3. Divide burger mixture into eight and form a patty with each portion. Grill burgers for two minutes on each side.

4. Grill vegetables until browned on all sides.

5. Assemble burgers by placing a patty on a toasted bun and topping it with grilled vegetables.