No-Joke Spinach-Artichoke Burgers Recipe

No-Joke Spinach-Artichoke Burgers Recipe

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey breast
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 (3 ounce) package freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and wrung dry in a kitchen towel
  • 1 bunch chopped fresh herbs (mint, thyme, rosemary)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), for liberal drizzling
  • 4 thick-cut slices of crusty bread
  • 4 slices ripe beefsteak tomato, 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained and thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Provolone cheese
  1. Preheat a grill, grill pan or large nonstick skillet to medium-high. If using a grill pan or skillet, preheat the broiler.
  2. Place the ground chicken in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the lemon zest, Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely chopped garlic, spinach, thyme and a drizzle of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons, and combine. Form into 4 patties and cook the burgers until firm and cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side.
  3. If cooking the patties on a grill, place the bread alongside the patties, grill on both sides and remove. If using a grill pan or skillet, broil the bread on both sides until toasted. Rub the toasted bread with the remaining garlic. Place the bread on plates and top with a slice of tomato, then season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
  4. In the last 2 minutes of the burgers' cooking time, divide the sliced artichokes evenly among the burgers, then cover each with 2 slices of provolone. If cooking on the grill, drop the lid to melt the cheese. If cooking on the stovetop, tent your grill pan or skillet with aluminum foil. Place a burger on top of each of the tomato slices and serve immediately.