Did you guys know you can pretty much make a veggie burger out of any combination of beans, grains & greens? Provided you get a consistency you can shape into a burger (even if it is delicate) you really have myriad options in the v-burger department.
Here's one I made recently:
Winter Risotto, Russian Kidney Beans, and Kale Burger!
I just took my leftover Winter Risotto, added my Russian Red Kidney Beans (was a pressure cooker recipe I had made recently), mashed those up with a fork, added more cooked carrots, whatever organic kale I had left in the fridge (I just chopped it up raw and put it in), added some roasted red peppers, organic raisins (I love raisins in balls & burgers!), fresh lemon juice, olive oil (jalapeno oil!), chopped raw organic walnuts, salt, pepper, and then mixed in some old fashioned oats to dry it up a bit. You could also just use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, chickpea flour, or any kind of flour, really, to dry up a very moist burger mix. I like to use oats because they are tasty.
Here it is in the bowl:
I wish I had this right now! I could totally go for these, they were awesome (esp. since all the work was already done, leftover grain dish + leftover bean dish= awesome burgers).
And here it is formed into patties and placed on a well-oiled, rimmed baking sheet:
Bake at around 400 to 425 for like 15 minutes per side. You want them nicely browned on each side. You'll know your oven better than I do as far as the specifics.
Delicious, crispy, totally flavorful burger. I love the crispy kale parts, it's like having kale chips in your burger!
I had mine in a burrito, I get into burrito phases with everything!
And hubby had a more traditional burger, but still Mexican themed:
So, check your fridge. Do you have leftover grains, beans or greens? If so, make a BGG (beans, grains & greens) burger.
You won't be sorry!
Yes! I have a ton of Spanish rice leftover and lentils too! I see a burger in my near future! :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteoooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh, Pamela, Spanish Rice + Lentils = AWESOME veggie burger! Let us know how they turn out! Just make sure to use a binder (flax "egg" or some egg-replacer) because those are both pretty loose ingredients. Some mashed black beans or chickpeas would also help to hold it together. You can also knead in some AP flour, chickpea flour, cornstarch, etc. if needed.
DeleteXOXO
Looks outstanding! i do enjoy a good veggie burger. I have so much trouble getting them to hold though.
ReplyDeleteHey Vic! Vegan burgers are all kinda delicate and anyone who has tried them knows they don't act like animal-based burgers when cooking!
DeleteFor the right consistency, just try to keep your wet and dry ingredients well balanced, and make sure to add "structure" via either flax eggs, Ener-G replacer, vital wheat gluten, AP flour, or other flours. Moisture keeps them sticking really well, so make sure yours have enough wet ingredients and something to add structure like flours or oats. For moisture + some structure, you can always add an Ener-G egg-replacer "egg" whisked very well or a flax "egg" (I use 1.5 tablespoons of ground flax + 3 tablespoons of water and whisk really well, let sit for 10 minutes before adding), or even two "eggs" to your mixture if needed. I am always making mine too moist and have to add more dry ingredients :-) You can add just the EnerG powder, also, or cornstarch, arrowroot, etc.
I bake them or grill them in a pan so they always stay together. I don't saute them, generally (also because that takes longer and requires more of my attention then just baking or grilling and then flipping :-)
Here's a link to my black bean burgers which are very firm and also a pic of how I grill them in a well-oiled aluminum pan inside the grill:
http://veganfazool.blogspot.com/2011/06/black-bean-burgers-of-new-jersey.html
You could also add nut butters or seed butters to certain burgers and that's always tasty! Also, you could add Vital Wheat Gluten and knead it into certain burgers, that would certainly do the trick! Even AP flour definitely helps.
But, all vegan burgers are somewhat delicate, and you have to be careful cooking and flipping them (some kinds more than others!), but once you get the hang of it, you will have a lot of success.
Sorry this is a little disorganized. I think I'll do a "tips" post on making vegan burgers to clarify it a bit. I'll get on that :-)
XOXO
Looks like it's time to get creative. Thanks for this blog, VF. :) Sharing...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan! Once I realized the flexible nature of the BGG combination, I figured I'd share my light bulb moment with everyone! Any combo of leftover grains, beans or greens can make a great burger. The more, the merrier!
DeleteXOXO
I know what you mean about burrito 'phases' cuz I go though them all the time! Great burger ideas!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know I have a burrito sister out there! :-)
DeleteThanks, Tracy! And, of course, I would love to hear if you make any crazy burgers and put them in a burrito.
XOXO