Avocado and Prosciutto Turkey Burgers with Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Okay...so I used prosciutto today, for the first time...it certainly won't be the last. Oh. My. YUM! If you're unfamiliar, prosciutto is a smoked, cured ham product, usually thinly-sliced. It's similar to bacon, but "fancier" :)

I've been eating lots of really healthy, delicious food lately, but wanted to know what it might be like to make something that's typically unhealthy and give it a "better-for-you" twist! Hello, Avocado and Prosciutto Turkey Burgers!

Turkey burgers can be tricky--if not prepared properly, they can be dry, mushy, gray, and flavorless. Ew. Today's burgers are nothing like that! Thick, moist, and juicy, I stuffed them with cheese, mushrooms, and oatmeal (it's a good binding element without using breadcrumbs; and also adds some extra fiber!).

The avocado adds a smooth, creamy element, while the prosciutto lends a smoky saltiness that is just wonderful. The combination of all the ingredients is absolutely fantastic, and the sweet potato fries on the side are the perfect accompaniment to the whole meal! Make these now.

Ingredients:

Burgers: 
1/2 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup shredded cheese of your choice (I used Colby Jack)
3 white mushrooms, diced (optional)
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 slices prosciutto
1 avocado, sliced lengthwise
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt, freshly-ground pepper, and seasonings to taste

Sweet potato fries:
1 sweet potato, sliced into fries or wedges
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt, freshly-ground pepper, cayenne pepper, to taste

Directions:

For the burgers:
Heat a skillet to medium-high heat; add olive oil. Combine turkey, oats, cheese, mushrooms, egg, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and form into 2-3 uniform patties (I got three out of this recipe). When skillet is hot, add the burgers; cook to desired temperature (at least 3-5 minutes per side). Set aside.

Lightly fry prosciutto in the hot pan until crisp; set aside. If you want, you can also warm up your hamburger buns in the pan--the drippings from the prosciutto will give them some good flavor! Assemble and top with avocado, prosciutto, and tomato (and any desired condiments!) Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts-- Servings: 3 • Size: 1 burger • Calories: 372 • Fat:  21.6g • Carbs: 16 g • Fiber: 4.5 g  • Protein: 29.4 g • Sugars: 2.5 g

For the fries: 
Once sliced, soak the sweet potato fries in water for 30 minutes to 2 hours to remove the starch. This is an optional step, but can help make your fries crispier!

Preheat oven to 425. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist with olive oil cooking spray. Toss the cut sweet potatoes with the cornstarch to coat evenly. Add olive oil and toss again. Add the seasonings and salt; toss well.

Bake the fries 10-15 minutes, remove and flip fries. Bake an additional 10-15 minutes and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts-- Servings: 2 • Size: 1 cup fries (about half of the fries) • Calories: 79 • Fat: 2.4g • Carbs: 13.6 g • Fiber: 1.9 g • Protein: 1.2 g • Sugars: 3.7g