Bison Burgers Grow the Heart Leaner

Bison Burgers Grow the Heart Leaner

We are creatures of habit. According to psychologist Ian Newby-Clark habits help us through our day. We are able to do dozens of things effortlessly out of habit. But a little break from our everyday lives is good for awakening our sense of adventure. And sometimes there is nothing quite more adventurous than spending time with family and friends over the holidays. For some of us the holidays are relaxing and subdued. For others they may be more like a wild safari complete with baboons and snarling tigers. Either way the respite from work and break from the routine is necessary to keep us sharp and rejuvenated, and for making sumptuously permissive moments standing around a snack tray popping mini pastries and confectionery creations. It’s a holiday, a celebration after all.

Now that the holidays are behind us, and the Choclatique Tower of Delight, Harry and David’s Deluxe Cookie Basket, and DiBruno Bros. Cheesebox Grandioso are polished off, it’s time to get back on track, to get back into a routine of eating healthy and lean. And what better way to do that than with some nice juicy buffalo burgers. According to USDA’s Agricultural Research Service bison has 63% fewer calories and 91% less fat than beef. The Reluctant Gourmet says that it is also “higher in protein, iron and all the omega and amino acids.” I’m sold.

This past weekend I pulled out some frozen ground bison meat that I was saving for such an occasion. Because bison is so much leaner than regular ground beef it can dry out more quickly on the grill. To keep the burger juicy and prevent it from crumbling when flipping I doctored it a little before making patties. I added a little ground oatmeal as a filler to hold it together and a dash of liquid and good fat to ensure it would have the proper degree of juiciness. I prefer the old-fashioned charcoal grill to the gas grill, so I mounded the red hot coals in the center and placed the burgers around the edge to cook them over a medium heat, about 7 minutes per side. Now this is a habit that I could relish with a little lettuce and sliced tomato.

Juicy Bison Burgers

1 pound ground bison

1 tablespoon quick-cooking oatmeal

1 tablespoon beef or chicken broth

2 teaspoons olive oil

Salt and pepper

Put the bison meat in a large bowl. Process the oatmeal in a food processor until well ground. Add to the bison. Add the broth and oil and mix until just combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Form into patties about 1/3 inch thick and grill over medium hot grill for about 7 minutes per side, or cooked until how you prefer.

Enjoy!

Geoff