burgers

Burgers
1 large egg
1/4 cup Purple Puree (see Make-Ahead Recipe No. 1)
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh whole-wheat bread crumbs*
1 pound lean ground beef
8 to 10 American cheese slices (optional)
8 to 10 hamburger buns or English muffins (preferably whole-grain)
Pickle slices and ketchup to garnish

To make burgers:
In a large bowl, mix egg, Purple Puree, ketchup, salt and bread crumbs. Then add the ground beef, mixing with hands until well combined. If too sticky, add a few more bread crumbs.

Using damp hands, shape mixture into 8 to 10 patties that are fairly thin. At this point, the burgers may be prepared a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. If you are not freezing for future use, proceed to next steps.

Spray a large skillet or grill pan with nonstick cooking spray and set over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Cook the burgers for 3 minutes on each side, then flip and add cheese (optional) to melt over patties for another 3 minutes.