Sunday, September 20, 2015

Fifty Fifty Burger

This past month I purchased a fantastic book that addresses the epidemic of poverty and hunger within our country and the struggle so many people face living at poverty-level. 



Focused predominantly on vegetarian meals, when meat is included in the recipes, the author identifies ways to maximize or stretch its use. If you are trying to survive on a low college budget, or are struggling to eat at all, as anyone on the $4 / day meal budget that SNAP dollars allow, this book could be the best purchase you ever make: 
Good and Cheap / By Leanne Brown 
Additionally, if you buy a copy, one copy is donated to a family in need!


In this recipe today, Leanne Brown takes a pound of ground beef and stretches it into 8 massive burgers by adding lentils and red pepper to the meat.  I supplemented with some grated sweet potato, onion, and a leftover heel of sharp cheddar cheese; and, definitely include the egg to hold it all together!

Needless to say this is an awesome recipe to have for college cooking and college savings! Great way to fill your freezer for future use!

The Fifty Fifty Burger
Total Cost: $0.90-1.10 / burger (includes bun)
Total Burgers: 8-9 patties

Equipment:
Mixing Bowl
Grater
Non-stick Skillet

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup dry green or brown lentils, cooked (approx 2-3 cups cooked)
1/3 sweet potato, grated
1/3 onion, grated
1/4 red pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 egg
1 tsp salt 
Garlic salt, optional
Fresh pepper



Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Cover 1 cup lentils with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover x 20 minutes. until tender.



3. Drain lentils and allow to cool.



4. Grate cheese, sweet potato and onion. Dice the red pepper.
5. Combine the meat, chopped and grated veggies, cheese, and egg.



6. Add 1 tsp of garlic powder, salt and pepper.




7. Mix well and form into equal patties.



8. Heat skillet with olive oil and sear patties until golden brown.




9. Put it all together and freeze the rest!



Wrap the patties in seran wrap or wax paper and store in freezer bag. 
Save for a rainy day or an empty college wallet!

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