Fast & Easy Dinner: Southwestern Pumpkin Burgers

by partysugar 11

I'm not much of a burger fan, but these deconstructed pumpkin burgers look totally delicious. Pumpkin puree is mixed with sautéed onions, peppers, and corn for a mixture that is healthy and filling. The classic hamburger bun is replaced with a flour tortilla that gives this meal a scrumptious Southwestern flavor. Topped with crisp lettuce and chunky tomato salsa, these burgers make a delicious dinner for an impromptu party. Pair with a cool guacamole and crunchy chips and call it a meal! To make them for dinner tonight, read more

Southwestern Pumpkin Burgers
From Eating Well

6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped red or green bell pepper
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
6 8-inch flour tortillas (soft-taco size)
2 cups shredded lettuce
Fresh tomato salsa

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, corn, garlic, chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl. Let cool a few minutes.
2. Add pumpkin, cheese, wheat germ, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper to the onion mixture; mix well.
3. With dampened hands, form the vegetable mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick patties, using about 1/2 cup for each.
4. Preheat oven to 325°F.
5. Stack tortillas and wrap in aluminum foil. Place in the oven for about 15 minutes to heat through. (Alternatively, stack tortillas between two damp paper towels; microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds, or until heated through.)
6. Using 2 teaspoons oil per batch, cook 2 to 4 patties at a time in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and heated through, about 4 minutes per side. Adjust heat as necessary for even browning.
7. Wrap the patties in tortillas and serve immediately, garnished with lettuce and tomato salsa, if desired.

Serves 6.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 331 calories; 13 g total fat (3 g sat, 6 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 45 g carbohydrate; 12 g protein; 4 g fiber; 587 mg sodium; 407 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (100% daily value), Vitamin C (45% dv), Folate 34% dv), Selenium (30% dv), Calcium & Iron (20% dv), Magnesium & Zinc (16% dv).