Recipe: Gorgonzola Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Don’t you just want a big bite of that?  On a week that started with Booze Battered Shrimp and continued on with Herbed Pull-Apart Rolls, I feel good that we can end the week with these … Gorgonzola Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce.  While they may look like you should head to the nearest treadmill after eating them, I assure you, looks are deceiving.  These come from a special issue of Shape magazine, 21 Days to Your Best Body, and will supply you with a third of your daily protein requirement.  Each burger, complete with a quarter-cup of cucumber yogurt sauce, is only 292 calories and boasts 26 grams of protein.

They look divine.

And they taste even better.

Now, for me, it was the gorgonzola that put these babies on our menu plan for the week.  I am a sucker for a sharp, deep, rich cheese from the bleu family, and these do not disappoint.  Top it with a sauce, and I’m in heaven.  The cucumber yogurt sauce is nearly identical to the traditional Tzatiki sauce, one of my favorite condiments, particularly mixed with a little ketchup.

The burgers are quick to make.  Divinely delicious.  And a bite that won’t leave you feel guilty.  Gorgonzola not your thing?  Although it might change the nutritional stats, substitute it with your favorite cheese.  Go Greek all the way and use feta instead.  Or stick closer to home and use a nice sharp Cheddar.  Whichever way you go, you’ll be lovin’ this one.  I can almost certainly guarantee it.

Project 365
January 7, 2010, Photo #7

During the day, my camera is often hanging out in the living room or the kitchen, just in case there’s a photo moment that Nick or the babysitter can’t resist, so sometimes when I download my pictures at night, there’s a surprise or two waiting for me. Such was the case tonight. Apparently when I was making dinner, Nick took the opportunity to take a few self-portraits.

Gorgonzola Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Recipe courtesy of Shape magazine

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 pound extra-lean ground sirloin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 1-inch cubes Gorgonzola or any blue cheese (about 4 ounces total)
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
¼ cup shredded cucumber
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 whole-wheat rolls

Directions
Spritz a large grill pan with cooking spray; set over medium heat. In a large bowl, combine sirloin, salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into 4 equal balls. Press a cube of Gorgonzola into the center of each, covering cheese completely with meat. Shape balls into patties, each about 1 inch thick. Place burgers on hot pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through (less for medium-rare meat). Meanwhile, mix next 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Place burgers on rolls and top each with 2 tablespoons yogurt sauce. Serve remaining sauce on the side.