Guacamole Salsa Burgers

I really, really love a good burger.  I love classic diner-style American burgers as much as I love burgers with a little twist and a little sparkle.

These Guacamole Salsa Burgers are made with just a few ingredients, and the salsa in them really adds to their flair.  The salsa brings moisture back to the burger, since we are using a very lean sirloin and omitting some of the fat from the meat.  The Mexican flavors of salsa and fresh, homemade guacamole combine to add a real pop of flavor to the burger.  

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all!  And, most importantly, let us remember the organic, raw, special meaning of Memorial Day.  My charming grandfather, Pop-Pop, was a Captain in the U.S. Navy, and I was so lucky to know him for the first 23 years of my life.  

Here's to you, Pop-Pop.

Guacamole Salsa Burgers
Source: www.repurposedlife.wordpress.com

Ingredients (serves 4):
~burgers~
16 oz. lean sirloin (93/7)
1/4 cup salsa
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
S & P
4 whole-wheat or potato buns
fresh spinach leaves or romaine lettuce 

~meg's guacamole recipe - works every time!~
2 avocados, pitted and diced
handful cherry tomatoes, halved
handful cilantro, chopped (optional)
dash of ground cumin (optional)
juice and zest of 1 lime
S & P

The Process:
Prepare the guacamole by combining all ingredients in a bowl, and stirring gently to combine.  I prefer my guacamole chunky vs. smooth.  Taste, and add more or less of any of the ingredients to your taste.  Set aside.

Combine the sirloin, garlic powder, chili powder, S & P, and salsa to a bowl.  Mix together with your hands until everything is combined.  Do not over-mix.  Form into 4 even-sized patties, and set these aside, ready for grillin'.

Warm the outside grill, and grill the burgers 4-5 minutes per side or so.  

Toast some delicious whole-wheat buns or soft potato buns under the broiler or in the toaster.  Assemble the burgers with the spinach or romaine nesting beneath a couple of spoonfuls of the guacamole on one side of the bun and the burger on the other.  We also added a little melted cheese, as well as a "sriracha mayo", which is about 1 T. mayo with a couple quick dashes of sriracha mixed together.  

These burgers are messy but WORTH IT. Enjoy!