Veggie Burgers

One of the things, or actually the only one, that I really missed since I stopped eating meat, was the burgers. That magic moment when you bite into a toasted bun filled with deliciousness! Glorious sandwich accompanied by hand cut fries and a cold beer. This for me, is the comfort food all the way...

But honestly...you don't need meat to make a good burger. I've tried different vegetarian versions and they all were very delicious. Combinations of cooked veggies, legumes, grains and seeds, spiced up just they you like, could rock you taste buds. I'm not telling you to quit eating meat, that is your lifestyle choice, but give a cow break - have a veggie burger instead!

 

Veggie Burger

 

burger buns

kimchi, store bought or from this (recipe)

vegan mayonnaise (recipe)

 

patties

(makes 10)

2 cups mixed lentils, cooked and cool

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

2 tsp salt

3 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp harissa paste

250g button mushrooms, whipped clean and chopped

3 large eggs

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, vegan preferably

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or Brazilian nuts
olive oil for cooking

 

 

Method:

1. Add about a tbsp of the olive oil to a large frying pan and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender. Add the tomato paste and harissa paste and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until all the liquids is absorbed.
2. Transfer the mix to a large bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the lentils to the vegetable mix.
3. Add the eggs, cheese, oats, bread crumbs, parsley and nuts to cool veggie mixture and mix by hand until well incorporated. Cover and place in the refrigerator for about 30 min.
4. Divide the mixture into 10-12 equal size balls, flatten and shape the burger patties. Place onto a tray covered with plastic wrap so they don't stick to the surface. Cook on the grill or griddle pan on medium-high heat, until golden, about 15-20 minutes.Uncooked patties will keep in the refrigerator,in an airtight container,up to 3 days.
5. Serve in the toasted bun topped with kimchi and vegan mayo. ENJOY!