Fathers Day Buffalo Burger Sliders with Yogurt Sauce

Makes 8 mini sliders

These fun sliders are perfect for Fathers day. They are loaded with protein, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids. They are a cinch to make, and are delicious to eat. I love experimenting with different proteins—ostrich, tofu, turkey, venison—but buffalo is one of my favorites. These can also be shaped into mini meatloaves, or formed into balls and skewered with toothpicks. Or as a special treat for dad, you can make them into a giant burger with his favorite topping. No matter which way you shape or top these buffalo burgers, you can't go wrong! Get creative and get dad involved in making his signature burger with the kids.

Burger Ingredients:

1 pound ground buffalo (bison)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt

¼ cup shredded cucumber
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 whole-wheat rolls, split

Directions:

1. In a medium-size bowl, combine buffalo, salt and pepper. Gently mix, using clean hands or a spoon.
2. Form mixture into 8 balls. Flatten slightly into patties, about 1inch in thickness.
3. In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil.
4. Add burgers and cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until done as you prefer.
5. As the burgers are cooking, mix yogurt, cucumber, dill, mustard and garlic powder in a small bowl.
6. Place burgers on mini rolls, or skewer on a wooden stick, spoon yogurt sauce over each or put in bowl for dipping.

People Actually Eat Buffalo?

If you haven’t tried buffalo, you are in for a treat. It’s an outstanding free-range protein source for kids. It is lower in fat than beef, and has an impressive concentration of iron, and omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development. Though it has a sweeter flavor (no, it does not taste gamey!), it swaps easily for beef. Use it to make burgers, sliders, meat sauces and taco fillings.