Turkey Apple Sausage Patties
Sausage is a versatile food. It goes with breakfast food like eggs or oatmeal. It also goes with dinner foods like potatoes and vegetables. Sausage provides protein, usually in the form of pork, beef, or turkey. Protein is extremely important in the diets of gastric sleeve, gastric band and gastric bypass patients. During the period of rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery, it is important to consume adequate amounts of protein in order to maintain muscle mass. One way to ensure you are getting enough protein is to consume some protein with every meal and snack.
Sausage can be a good way to get protein at different times of the day, like breakfast and dinner. But, some sausage patties or links contain fillers and other ingredients we wish to avoid. One solution is to make your own sausage. While the task may sound daunting, this recipe is pretty easy, and dare we say delicious.
Combining the turkey with apple turns this savory dish a little sweet, and adds some carbohydrates and fiber into the mix. The sweetness of this sausage makes it blend well with many traditional breakfast foods, like eggs, oatmeal, grits, or toast. For dinner, it makes a nice accompaniment to sauteed cabbage, sweet potatoes, or kale. You can also try changing the spices to change the flavor profile. Instead of Italian seasonings and garlic, you could use sage and onion powder. Since you are making it, it’s up to you. That’s the beauty of making your own sausage patties, you can adjust it to your preferences.
Turkey Apple Sausage
Adapted from http://therealfoodrds.com/turkey-apple-sausage-patties/
Ingredients for 12 patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup finely minced apples (granny smith work nicely)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil
Directions:
- Combine turkey, diced apples, and spices in a bowl and mix thoroughly with a large spoon or with your hands.
- Shape into 12 small patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add some oil. Reserve some oil for the next batches.
- Add patties to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd and allow for ease of flipping.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, and they are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
- Remove patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb some of the fat.
- Repeat this process with the remaining oil and patties until they are all cooked.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
The above is offered by Dr. Shillingford, M.D., P.A., a board certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and obesity surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass patients some from all over Florida, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Wellington, Miami, Hialeah, Coral Springs, Orlando, and Jacksonville for his expertise in affordable bariatric surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s reputation and prices often attract many out of state patients who travel from as far as New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and even Hawaii for his services. Dr. Shillingford often reminds his patients of the importance of consuming enough protein in their post bariatric surgery diet to preserve muscle mass, but also drinking enough water to ensure adequate hydration.
