Hamburgers Using Kale as a Binder Instead of Bread Crumbs

Ever on a quest to eat healthier, we’ve been experimenting to find an alternative to adding bread crumbs as a binder to homemade hamburgers and found a fabulous ingredient…. KALE! Sounds a bit weird, I know, but this super green combined with a bit of fresh cilantro adds a wonderful, smoky flavor and you end up with a tasty, moist burger that’s low carb and gluten free! These Kale Beef Burgers have become a quick family favorite. For kids who get picky when it comes to eating their veggies, this is also a great way to “hide” vegetables! I usually serve the kale hamburgers with either a green salad or sauteed asparagus on the side. Recipe below – enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups organic Lacinato kale or Dinosaur kale (I used bagged organic kale from Trader Joe’s)
• 3 cloves, Garlic
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 large organic brown egg
• 3/4 teaspoon pink sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 lbs of grass fed ground beef
• Avocado oil to coat grill pan (or oil/spray of your choice)

Directions

Pulse the first four ingredients in a food processor until roughly minced. To the ground beef in a big mixing bowl, add the sea salt, black pepper and egg. Top off with the kale mixture and mix together by hand until the well blended. Form into 2 1/2″ to 3″ patties and grill on medium heat about 2 – 3 minutes on each side. I grilled these burgers in a grill pan on the stove, coating the pan with a drop of Avocado oil to keep the burgers from sticking.

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Mina Frannea is an online media professional. She is the editor and media director at North Texas Kids Magazine and provides freelance marketing and promotional services for clients all over the country. Mina enjoys the Arts & Entertainment, Sci-Fi, new technology, cooking, enlightening discussions and sharing relevant information. Want to share your story with Mina or North Texas Kids? Send Mina an Email