Curry-Spiced Mini Turkey Burgers

This is delicious finger food -- perfect for an appetizer or a light supper. The addictively bright flavor makes these taste complicated to make, but they actually come together easily and quickly. If you want to check the seasoning before you fry the burgers, microwave a pinch of the mixture and taste it for salt and curry powder, adding more as needed.

Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 20 patties

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 scallions, sliced or 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon curry powder
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Dipping Sauce:
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, whir together the turkey, yogurt, scallions or onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder until a smooth mixture is formed; if your curry powder is salt-free, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Use a tablespoon to form balls of the mixture, then flatten them into patties. The mixture will be sticky, but if it's too soft to work with at all, chill it briefly.
3. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, then fry the patties for 3 or 4 minutes per side, until golden.
4. Serve hot with a dipping sauce made by whisking together 1/3 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 teaspoon each of curry powder and salt.

See more recipes from Catherine Newman at her "Dalai Mama Dishes" blog.