Vegetarian Burgers: Meat has met it's match.

/

"Vegetarian Burger" always sounds like an oxymoron to me. I do love a good hamburger completely loaded, but from time to time I do substitute the meat for a more healthier approach.

There are certain meatless ingredients (that are also good sources of protein) that I like to hunt down when making a vegetarian burger: quinoa, beans, nuts, any kind of vegetable that I can dice and add to the mix.

Another key factor when making a "vegan" vegetable burger (I will add some eggs to just a 'vegetarian' burger) is the binder. Because I don't want to add any animal product to bring my mixture together some helpful ideas are to add pureed beans or cooked vegetables.

Also keep in mind how you cook your burger! Though a vegetable burger can stand up to that of meat any day, they are still a bit on the delicate side. Cooks beware when throwing a veggie patty on the grill, you very well could end up with a grainy mess. I suggest a grill pan or sauté pan.

What's my favorite veggie recipe go-to? Lentils & Barley.

Lentil & Barley Burger: (makes about 8 nice size burgers) 1 cup barley, cooked until tender in 2 cups water 1 cup dried lentils, cooked until tender in 2 cups water (after cooking divide in 1/2) 1 large carrot, small dice 1 medium onion, small dice 2 TBSP tomato paste 1 TBSP cumin 1 TBSP smoked chile powder 1 TBSP corriander 1/2 cup flour (have a bit more on reserve in case you need to add anymore) 1/2 cup fresh herbs, chopped (I like parsley and/or cilantro) salt and pepper to taste

  1. Cook lentils and barley separately, let cool.
  2. Saute carrots and onion in olive oil until soft over medium heat. 3.Take 1/2 of your lentil mixture and mash with the back of a fork until completely mashed up, add tomato paste and spices to mashed lentils and mix **this is going to serve as a vegan-friendly binder for your burgers
  3. In a large bowl, combine barley, lentils, mashed lentil mixture, flour, chopped herbs, and S&P. Mix well. Form your burgers--**you may need to wet your hands a bit to prevent sticking.
  4. Sear burgers on medium heat until browned on both sides. To reheat pop into a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes.