Apple-turkey burgers with cranberry-apple relish

A turkey burger with apple topped with a cranberry apple relish makes a delicious autumn inspired meal.

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My bushel of apples is slowly dwindling down... We've picked out a bunch of small ones and put them away in the refrigerator for snacks. I still have quite a few for cooking though. I've made some of my standbys like applesauce and autumn pork roast, and new recipes like apple crisp pie and these burgers that were inspired by this recipe. 

I like incorporating fruits into savory dishes, so I was pretty excited to try out these burgers, plus they used up two more of my apples! These burgers were really moist from the addition of grated apple into the turkey and the topping was a nice mix of sweet, tart, and a touch of heat.

This recipe will make four burgers. I served them with some simple roasted purple cauliflower (we got a beautiful head at the farmers' market last weekend). It was a great weeknight autumn meal and unlike any burger I've had before.

Apple turkey burgers with cranberry-apple relish
for the relish:
olive oil
1/2 small red onion, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 large sweet apple, peeled, diced, and divided
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
about 1/4 cup water
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

for the burgers:
1 lb. ground turkey (dark meat preferred)
1 medium sweet apple, unpeeled and grated on the large holes of a box grater
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
grated sharp cheddar cheese 

for serving:
lightly toasted Kaiser (or other) rolls
sliced red onion, optional

In a small saucepan, heat a couple teaspoons of olive oil. Add the onion and jalapeno. Stir and cook until they just begin to soften. Add the cranberries, half of the diced apple, vinegar, sugar (start with 1 tablespoon), and water. Stir well and let it come to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the apples are very soft. Add the remaining apple and stir. You can add a bit more water if it gets too thick/sticky. Season with salt, pepper, and check for sugar. Cook until the apples are just soft.

Gently mix the turkey, grated apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until combined. Divide into four even pieces. Shape into burgers, season the outsides with salt and pepper. 

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet until hot. Lightly oil the pan and cook the burgers about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Top each burger with some grated cheddar and let it melt. Place a burger on a roll and top with some of the relish and sliced onion, if desired.