Vacation Series: Sweet Potato Burgers and Mediterranean Grain Salad

    Our kitchen is still out of commission, however, the counter tops have been ordered so we should be up and running soon.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  The status of my kitchen hasn't stopped me from pinning recipes on Pinterest.  This week I am at my parents' beach house in Maine when my dad asked for a suggestion for dinner tonight, I went right to Pinterest and had a grocery list ready in minutes.

Sweet Potato Burgers with Avocado
Recipe from kblog.lunchboxbunch.com

Ingredients
2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3 medium sweet potatoes, baked/peeled/mashed
2 tbsp tahini
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp Cajun powder
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
salt and pepper to taste
panko crumbs
oil
avocado

Method
1. Mix beans and sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.  Mash them together.
2. Add the tahini, syrup, Cajun powder, flour, and salt and pepper.  Mix well.  If the consistency is too wet, add more flour or a handful of breadcrumbs.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over high heat.
4. Form a burger and coat with Panko crumbs.  Drop the burger into the pan.  Cook until browned on both sides.
5. Remove to a paper towel and allow to cool for one minute.  Top with avocado, dijon mustard, and lettuce.


Mediterranean Grain Salad
Recipe from marthastewart.com

Ingredients
1 cup bulgur wheat
salt and pepper
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 small shallot, minced
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
3 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled

Method
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bulgur wheat with 2 cups of boiling water.  Allow the bulgur to sit for about 30 minutes, or until tender.  Then drain any excess water.
2. Add the tomatoes, parsley, shallots, oil, and vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper and top with goat cheese.

The Taste Test
    Everything was very easy to prepare and didn't take long at all.  The burgers weren't the biggest hit with my family-especially when put on a bun.  There wasn't enough flavor and the textures were all too similar.  I ate my burger without a bun and liked it but agreed that it could use a bit more flavor.   If I were to make these again, I would serve them over salad.  The Mediterranean salad on the other hand was delicious and full of flavor.