Allium vegetables are in the the garlic and onion family and include:
- Red onion
- Leeks
- Ramps
- Scallions
- Chives
- Garlic Chives, a.k.a. Chinese Chives
- Shallots
Allium vegetables contain organosulfur compounds, which contribute to their distinctly pungent aroma. These sulfur compounds are also associated with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.
Allium vegetables, like onions, red onion, scallions and shallots, are an excellent source of quercetin, an antioxidant linked with reducing inflammation, allergy symptoms and lowering cholesterol.
Quercetin can also help boost the immune system, and researchers have found that, IN THE EARLY STAGES, quercetin can help inhibit viral infections.
These Scallion-Shallot Turkey Burgers are a delicious whole food way to boost the immune system.
Scallion-Shallot Turkey Burgers
Serves 2
1 pound pasture-raised or organic ground turkey
1/2 cup scallions
1/3 cup shallots
1 heaping tablespoon fresh, minced gingerroot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt (finely ground)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Unrefined coconut oil
Place all ingredients—except the coconut oil—in a medium stainless steel bowl. Using your hands, combine ingredients well, but do not overmix.
Once all ingredients have been combined, form 6 patties.
Warm 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons coconut oil in a 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the coconut oil is hot, but not smoking, add patties to the pan (you may need to cook in 2 batches). Reduce heat to medium and cook for apx. 3-4 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary; lower heat if burgers start sticking in the skillet.
Flip burgers and cook second side apx. 2-3 minutes, lowering heat as necessary, and covering the pan the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Serve warm.
