"Healthy Foodbytes"

June/2010

HEALTHY FOODBYTES

Alisa Lagrosa-Strynkowski

June is here and it's time to fire up the grill! Why not try a healthy version of the classic burger with an Asian twist! Ground turkey or chicken cuts the fat and calories found in regular burgers, fresh herbs and a cucumber salad on top gives this quick and easy meal a tasty twist your whole family will enjoy. Serve on a whole grain bun or with brown Jasmine rice on the side.

Asian Burgers with a Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad

Kitchen to table time: 30-40 minutes.

1 lb. lean ground turkey or chicken

3 scallions, thinly sliced, ¾ cup

3 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

2 Tbs. fresh basil, chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

1 tsp. lime zest

2 Tbs. low-sodium Teriyaki sauce

1 Tbs. Asian sweet chili sauce

1 English cucumber, thinly sliced 1/8", crosswise

1/2 cup Daikon, (Japanese horseradish root) peeled, thinly sliced, optional

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, thinly sliced, ½ cup

1 jalapeno, halved, seeded, sliced, about 2 Tbs.

2 Tbs. unsalted peanuts, chopped, optional garnish

fresh watercress, optional

Cooking Intructions

Prepare grill for direct grilling on medium-high.

In bowl stir together ground turkey, ¼ cup scallions, 2 Tbs. cilantro, basil, garlic, lime zest, teriyaki sauce and sweet chili sauce. Form into 4 (4" round) burger patties; set aside in refrigerator to chill.

In bowl combine cucumber, daikon, red bell pepper, jalapeno, remaining ½ cup scallions, remaining 1 Tbs. cilantro. In small bowl stir together white vinegar, sugar, water, lime juice, and salt until dissolved. Toss cucumber salad with dressing; set aside to marinate.

Grill burgers turning once, 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked completely and juices run clear. Serve burgers with cucumber salad topped with peanuts and fresh watercress. Serves 4.

Extra Byte

Did you know that currently there are many companies such as Ocean Spray and V-8 that are "thinking healthy" and producing vitamin packed juices that are available nationally in grocery markets? Mix your favorite juice with ice, seltzer and a twist of lemon or lime for an instant "good for you" refreshing beverage! Leave the diet sodas and soft drinks in the past, drink something that will give you a powerful antioxidant and vitamin boost! Your body will love it!

Some suggestions are:

Ocean Spray 100% Juice, No Sugar added Cranberry Blueberry Juice or Cranberry Pomegranate Juice.

V-8 Vfusion (Light or Regular) Pomegranate Blueberry Juice or Gogi Berry Raspberry Juice! These juices are blended with 6-9 other veggie juices for optimum health!

Alisa Lagrosa-Strynkowski is a professional chef, nationally published recipe developer and food stylist. Her recipes and food styling have been featured in publications such as Woman's World, First for Women, Cooking Light, Pascack Valley Magazine, The Community Life as well as many online food sites. Alisa lives locally with her 2 teenage sons and is a member of The Gym in Montvale.