Turkey and Sun-Dried Tomato Burgers

Tryptophan is an amino acid found in both turkey and tomatoes. It is one of the essential elements which the body needs to make serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in mood, sleep, learning and appetite control. A lack of serotonin is thought to be one of the causes of depression, and the type of anti-depressant medication Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) work by enabling the brain to have more serotonin available. No foods contain serotonin but you can help your brain make more of this chemical by eating foods with tryptophan to enable your body to make more.

Turkey and Sun-dried Tomato Burgers (Makes 4 burgers)

Ingredients

450g turkey mince

2 thirds of a cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

3 spring onions, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 cup grated mature cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning dried herb mix

1 quarter teaspoon dried chilli flakes

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C, gas mark 6).

Add all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Divide the mixture into four parts. Shape each portion into a ball and then squash with your hands to make a patties. Place on a lightly oiled baking tray. One with a slight lip around the edge is best in case any liquid comes out of the burgers.

Cook in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the burgers are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.

Serve in a burger bun or ciabatta roll (I ate mine with a gluten free brown ciabatta roll), and lots of salad. Alternatively try it with homemade potato wedges and mayonnaise.