Grilled Turkey Salisbury Steaks

I love when I find a recipe from an unlikely source. For example, this particular recipe was featured in the August 2010 issue of Runner's World magazine. Contributing chef, Rocco DiSpirito (who is a triathlete himself) is regularly featured in the magazines food section entitled The Athlete's Palate. Although a runner's magazine is probably one of the last place you would think to find a yummy recipe, this dish was a hit! It was sooooo good!!! Ground turkey is normally so boring, but this dish really makes it sing. It was savory, meaty, and satisfying...all things you would expect from a normal Salisbury steak recipe. Best of all, it was healthful without sacrifice! We loved this meal, and it is one to go down in the books as a keeper. I love having something new to do with ground turkey!

Grilled Turkey Salisbury Steaks
Adapted From: Runner's World magazine, August 2010 issue; The Athlete's Palate, by: Rocco DiSpirito
(Serves 4)

Ingredients:
1 1/4 pounds ground turkey breast
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Olive oil cooking spray
2 tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices (heirloom are recommended, I used Roma)
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 container (6 oz.) sliced crimini mushrooms (button mushrooms would work, too)
1 cup skim milk
1 Tablespoon AP Flour
1 Tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shredded sharp provolone cheese

Directions:
Preheat a grill pan on high heat.

In a bowl, mix turkey, rosemary, salt and pepper. Divide into four portions and form into one-inch-thick oval patties. Spray with olive oil and place on grill.

Spray tomato slices, onion slices, and mushroom slices with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place on grill.

Grill meat and onions for four minutes per side. Grill tomatoes and mushrooms for two minutes per side.

In a saucepan melt butter. Add flour and whisk to combine until paste is formed. Pour in skim milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, about one minute. Whisk cheese into sauce until melted.

Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper. Pile tomato, mushrooms, and onion on patties. Spoon cheese sauce on top. Serve and enjoy!



The Result:
Delicious! This dish was comforting and homey...perfectly suited for a family weeknight dinner. My son especially loved it, and kept making yummy noises while taking bites. Kid-friendly, tasty, and healthy are not always an easy combination to put together; but this dish delivered on all fronts. Also, it was pretty quick and easy to put together. I love recipes that just seem to "click", and this one clearly resonated with us. This dish will become a ground turkey staple in our house, for sure.