Salmon Patties (or salmon burgers)

Another delicious meal my mom taught me to make.  However, I prefer to make it with fresh salmon instead of canned.  Every time I make it, every one loves it!  Eat them plain with a squeeze of lemon or a little ketchup or eat them on a bun like a burger.

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Makes approximately 10 patties.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 oz thawed, skin removed, salmon
• 6 slices bread, torn into very small pieces
• 2 eggs
• 1 med carrot, finely grated
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 C onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients using your hands.  Squeeze the salmon between your fingers so it becomes small pieces.  The mixture should have enough consistency (but still fairly wet) to make patties.
2. In a warm frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.  Form patties about 3.5" diameter and 3/4" thick.  Place in warm pan.  
3. Cook patties covered for about 5 minutes on each side on low-med heat.
4. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges or ketchup.

TIPS

• Use any bread you have on hand.  The last time I made these, I used week old hot dog buns (4 total).
• You may use canned salmon, you do not have to remove the bones because they are soft.
• Serve like hamburgers with cheese.
• If you want to do gluten free, you can try substituting gluten free bread crumbs or crumbled cornbread (be sure to make your cornbread from 100% cornmeal).  
• The photo of the finished patties shows that I had my heat too high.  Yours should turn out a nicer brown than above.  
• Serve with veggies and/or rice.