Veggie Burgers

When you hear veggie burger, what do you picture?  A flimsy frozen patty that tastes like  cardboard?  Well think again....

While I do eat premade veggie burgers for the convenience factor, nothing beats this homemade version.  I found this recipe online after watching Guy's Big Bite on Food Network.  The episode was highlighting his sister's vegetarian recipes and this burger looked so good I had to try it.  Don't let the lengthy list of ingredients turn you away; I only used spices I had on hand.  Also, feel free to add or take out anything you wish.  Be creative! 

Morgan's Veggie Patties 

(my version)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
2 tablespoons diced black olives

2 teaspoons diced jalapeno
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs

salt & pepper
1 egg

In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, red onion and red pepper.  Saute until translucent.  Remove and cool.

Add all ingredients to food processor with metal blade.  Pulse until combined.  Scrape the sides of the bowl, pulse again.  If the mixture is too sticky and wet, add more oats until it is a good texture.  Form mixture into 4-5 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  (Any unused patties may be frozen in individual foil packets for further use).

In the same saute pan add 1 tablespoon olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side. 

I tend to go heavy on the garnishes, but the burger is very flavorful on its own.  This time I made a spicy mayo to accompany my burger and sweet potato fries on the side.

Spicy Mayo

3-4 tablespoons lowfat mayo

1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (or any hot sauce)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together and chill so flavors combine. 

Add more mayo or hot sauce to reach desired spicyness.