Bison Burgers & Oven Fries

In our efforts to maintain a relatively healthy regime, we regularly integrate protein alternatives into our meals. In lieu of steak, we have chicken. We always have ground turkey on hand instead of ground beef. A lean option that we hadn't explored in our home kitchen: bison. But during a recent grocery trip, we spotted some and thought that bison burgers would be a lighter alternative to the beef burgers we love so much (seen here, here, and here).

I viewed several recipes (although considering that bison seems to be gaining popularity, there aren't as many as you'd think). Before forming patties, I added some smoked paprika, grated onion, crushed garlic, S&P to the meat. The burgers turned out deliciously moist due to the recommended cooking method from this recipe. (Because bison is so lean, they suggest covering the burgers to prevent them from drying out.) Topped with some swiss cheese, tomatoes, and Cabernet carmelized red onions, these bison burgers were stampede-worthy.

To go along with our adventurous burgers, I served up some carrot and parsnip fries. I had just seen the recipe on Mad Hungry earlier in the week (one of my new favorite cooking shows) and had been awaiting an opportunity to try them out. If you've never cooked with parsnips (which I hadn't before today), they are similar to carrots. Fibrous and a bit sweet, parsnips are perfect as a potato alternative for some oven fries.

I love exploring new foods to satisfy some good ol' fashioned culinary curiosity. Is there anything you've tried making recently that was new for you? Or is there something you are thinking about trying? Do tell!

Happy Searching!