Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns and Avocado Lime Mayo


Doing a Whole30 is supposed to be about resetting your hormones, curbing cravings, learning how you respond to certain foods, etc. My first one was all of that. This time, my big takeaway was that I adore baking. Seriously. Making dinner is sort of my 'job,' so that has never had the ability to get me leaping out of bed in the morning. When I have something to bake, you wouldn't be able to bribe me out of the kitchen. It requires more creativity, which is what I love. Then there's that little grin that can't seem to be wiped off my face...


And yes, I'm starting to appreciate Photoshop more. It's not quite the sliver in my rear that it was last time we talked. I still don't really know what I'm doing, but every day I learn something new. If you have learned/mastered Photoshop, how did you get comfortable with it? I'm going through some online courses and a lot of information is over my head, but I've picked up a few things that are useful.

This burger is obviously not something you can eat straight out of your hands like your average burger (although I wouldn't stop you), so you'll have to use a fork. Much better than trying to hold a piece of lettuce in a manageable wrap with juice escaping and dripping down your elbow. Gah.

When heating the oil for the sweet potatoes, you have to heat the oil until it 'shimmers'. When you look closely, you'll see the oil moving and shifting in waves. Hence the shimmer! It can be mesmerizing, but focus and get cooking before it smokes.


Burgers with Sweet Potato 'Buns' and Avocado Lime Mayo
Inspired by Practical Paleo
Yield: 4 servings

Buns
1 large sweet potato (about 3 cups, shredded)
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon cumin
2-4 tablespoons coconut oil

Avocado and Lime Mayo
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
Juice from half of a lime
1 ripe avocado
Salt and pepper to taste

Burgers
1 pound ground beef, divided into 4 equal portions and formed into patties
Salt and pepper to taste


Shred the sweet potato using either the shredding blade of a food processor or box grater. You will not need to peel them. Place in a medium bowl with the eggs and cumin. Stir thoroughly.

Heat a medium skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil until it shimmers.

Place a heaping 1/4 cup of sweet potato in a mound on the pan and flatten into a patty using a large spoon. Use the spoon to push in any stray edge pieces or they will overcook. Once the bottom begins to brown and it holds together when lifting with a spatula, flip over gently and brown the other side.

You will probably have to cook the sweet potato patties in two batches. If necessary, add additional oil before adding the second batch. You should be able to make 8 patties.

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, you can add the mayonnaise, lime juice, and half an avocado to a small bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Save the other half of the avocado for topping your burger.

Sprinkle both sides of the ground beef patties with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and place in the hot pan. Cook until desired doneness is achieved.

Top one sweet potato 'bun' with a burger, avocado lime mayo, additional avocado slices, and the other 'bun'.


Pinit

32 comments:

  1. Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.comFeb 27, 2013, 8:12:00 AM

    You and I are very similar. I HAVE to cook, but I LOVE to bake! I do have to try these burgers. I'm so intrigued by the sweet potato bun! I bet the whole burger tastes wonderful!

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    Replies
    1. The sweet potato is a great sub for a flour bun because it still has a lot of carbs. And it adds a little sweetness which works fabulously with the burger and mayo.

      Delete
  • Christine (Cook the Story)Feb 27, 2013, 9:50:00 AM

    What a great idea! I'm assuming that Whole30 means no white carbs so no white potatoes, right? Too bad because when I saw this I instantly thought how amazing a burger would be between my mom's potato pancakes. They're Ukrainian-style and softer than Jewish latkes tot he poitn where I bet you could pick the burger up and eat it. I'm going to have to give it at try. Thanks for a great idea!

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    Replies
    1. Right. No white potatoes. I'm sure your mom's recipe would be really good as well! Thanks for coming by Christine!

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  • Gabriela @ Living a Renaissance LifeFeb 27, 2013, 4:06:00 PM

    Hi Loretta! Ok I'm so excited to try this! Being gluten- and mostly grain-free I get a hankering for hamburgers now and agin. :) What an awesome combo with the sweet potatoes and lime... pinned! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Gabriela! Glad to have you! We have burgers over here about once a week because I take the evening off once a week and it's something super easy to throw together before I take off.

      Thanks for the pin :)

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  • This looks so good. Makes me think of hash browns :) Being gluten free I am always looking for a good bun replacement besides lettuce wrap.

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    Replies
    1. I think it's much better than a lettuce wrap, Christine. My hubby is avoiding gluten this year, so it's been interesting to come up with some alternatives so he can still enjoy some of his 'favorite' foods.

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  • This looks fantastic! I don't know how to use photoshop at all, I think I'll try learning soon!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Cathleen. Just when I think I 'have it', some new failure comes along. But I know all the struggle will be worth it...

      If you do get it and have questions, maybe I'll be able to help by then :)

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  • If you ever need Photoshop pointers, please ask me. After using Photoshop every single day for years and years, as well as having a job where all I did was stare at Photoshop 8 hours a day, I'd consider myself pretty knowledgeable. Also, after teaching Photoshop to kids who can't sit still, in a foreign language, I would love to help someone out who speaks English and is willing to learn! - Ev. P.S. I still love your recipes and am still hankering for the day when all ingredients are readily available! (That day is approaching. 4.5 more months!!!)

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    Replies
    1. Oh, believe me! I already have some specific questions for you! Don't know why I didn't think to ask you earlier. I'll message you on fb...Can't believe you'll be done in 4 1/2 months!

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  • Do you have photoshop or Photshop elements? I have elements and I'd say the main thing to learn is levels,judging from your pictures you already use them (they look awesome, btw!) also, pioneer women actions were something I used a LOT when I first started, trying to get away from that now but :) good luck It is really confusing !- Linnea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Linnea! I have been monkeying around a little bit with curves, but haven't touches levels yet. These shots annoyed me a little because when I was editing them, they were much brighter. On my blog, they look too dark to me....So, I'm still learning...I have regular photoshop. I haven't gotten into actions yet, but I'll probably reserve those mainly for my non-blog shots.

      Delete
  • Julia | JuliasAlbum.comMar 2, 2013, 7:00:00 PM

    Love the idea of using sweet potatoes as a "bun". They are so good for you, and such a great substitute for regular potatoes or bread.

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    Replies
    1. It adds just a little bit of sweet carb-iness that you don't otherwise get if you skip the bun!

      Delete
  • Kathy Shea MorminoMar 6, 2013, 3:00:00 PM






    Hi! I’m new follower of your blog and would like to invite you to join me at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop:

    http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-24-and-three.html



    I hope you can make it!



    Cheers,

    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the invite, Kathy! I can't make it this week, but maybe next...

      Delete
  • What a wonderful sounding/looking recipe. We're gluten free at my house, too, so the sweet potato bun sounds intriguing. I love avocados, my boyfriend doesn't, but I bet he'll love the mayo/avocado spread. Sounds really tasty. I don't eat meat, usually have a black bean burger instead, but will look for something a bit less spicy to go with this. There are lots of different and delicious veggie burgers out there now. Thanks so much for this delicious idea!

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    Replies
    1. First of all, someone that doesn't like avocados?! What?!

      The black bean burger sounds tasty. Let me know if you try it!

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  • These were SO AMAZING! I make them a few times a month, I absolutely love them, and have been sharing this website with all my paleo friends, and anyone doing a Whole30! Thank you so much!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kendra! Thanks so much for the referrals. Even though all my stuff isn't Whole30, or even Paleo, there is plenty to choose from.

      I think these are my personal favorite though :)

      Delete

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