Veggie Burger
The ultimate comfort food, Veggie Burger packs in flavor and nutrition. With a crisp outside and a tender inside, this easy weeknight dinner is perfect for everyone. Whip it up tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Baking Sheet
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 can pinto or black beans other varieties also work
- 3 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp flour of choice or oat bran
- 1/2 cup cooked diced vegetables of choice
Instructions
- Start by draining and rinsing the canned beans. You want to remove any excess liquid that could make the burger too mushy. If you're using a food processor, add the beans and pulse them until you reach your desired texture—either chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed beans with the tomato paste, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and the cooked diced vegetables. Mix everything well to ensure that the flavors meld together.
- Next, add the flour or oat bran to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour until it can hold its shape when formed into patties.
- Now, it's time to shape the mixture into patties. I usually make them about the size of my palm. This ensures they cook evenly. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate while you prepare to cook.
- For cooking, you have several options: you can pan-fry, grill, or bake them. If you're frying, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip them over, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until they reach your desired texture.
- For grilling, place them on a preheated grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, making sure to use a gentle touch when flipping to keep them intact.
- Once they’re cooked, remove them from the heat and let them sit for a couple of minutes. This helps them firm up even more.
- Finally, serve your Veggie Burgers with your favorite toppings! Whether it's lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a special sauce, the choice is yours!
Notes
- Tip 1: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay tasty for about 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to a month.
- Tip 2: For easy meal prep, make a big batch of patties, freeze them, and pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick meal.
- Tip 3: Veggie Burgers go perfectly with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or a side of coleslaw for a delightful meal.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different spices or herbs. A sprinkle of cumin or chili powder can add a new flavor dimension to your burgers.
- Tip 5: Feel free to add cheese alternatives or sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for added flavor and richness.