Buffalo Sliders with Cranberries

I chose buffalo meat because it’s almost always raised on grass. Grass-fed meat (whether it’s buffalo, steer, or lamb) is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, lower in omega-6 fatty acids, and leaner overall. Dark red fruits like cranberries really complement red meat, so I decided to work them into the burger patties.

Note:  If you can’t find bison meat, you can use any grass-fed meat or even ground turkey for this recipe.

For an optional topping, you can make a goat-cheese spread to top the burgers by mixing 1/4 cup goat cheese with 1/2 tsp. of roasted garlic, 1/2 tsp. of fresh thyme, 1 tsp. of fresh parsley (minced), and 1/2 tsp. of fresh dill.  To cut down on the sugar, you can replace the dried cranberries with dried, unsweetened cherries.

Grass-fed meat contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory compounds that can build muscle and produce energy. Cranberries are full of the antioxidants known as anthocyanins. They inhibit the growth of cancer cells and improve capillary function in your brain, your eyes, and your skin.

Makes approximately 8-10 sliders

Ingredients

½ cup organic dried, sweetened cranberries (or unsweetened dried cherries for less sugar)
½ cup flax meal
½ cup whole wheat or regular breadcrumbs
1 lb. ground buffalo (bison) meat
1 egg (omega-3 enriched, organic or free-range)
1 tsp. salt or salt substitute
1 tsp. crushed garlic
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
Olive oil spray as needed
8-10 whole grain slider buns or rolls

Procedure

1. Pulse the cranberries together with the flax meal and breadcrumbs in a food processor or blender until you have a coarse meal, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Mix the cranberry-breadcrumb mixture into the ground buffalo meat along with the egg, spice, and vinegar. Shape into 8-10 patties (about 3 inches)
3. Spray each patty with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat (or broil under high heat on a broiler pan) for at least 4 minutes. Flip the burgers and cook another 4-5 minutes more or until they are brown throughout (no pink in the middle).
4. Place on buns and spread with mustard or goat cheese. Top with pickles.