We usually have veggie burgers during weekends. Usually I keep a stock of Trader Joe's Masala Burgers which we LOVE!. Those turn out to be just perfect!!! Veggie burgers pack well for picnics as well:)
Occasionally when I feel like making patties from scratch, these are my go to burgers. Very simple to put together. I will suggest some burger fillings but you can choose whatever combination you like for the burgers!
You will need:
Patties:
1 15oz can of black beans
1 medium sized sweet potato
1/2 cup bread crumbs (or rolled oats, cooked quinoa)
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
onion powder
garlic powder
oregano
salt per taste
Avocado spread for one side:
1 avocado
lime juice from 1/2 lime
salt per taste
Vegan version for the other side:
Hummus (original/roasted red pepper/any variety)
Vegetarian version for the other side:
cheese slice (mozzarella/pepper jack/cheddar)
Fillings:
sliced tomatoes
sliced cucumbers
lettuce (or other greens like baby spinach, kale, red/green mustard)
Others that you can use- onions, banana peppers, jalapeños, sweet peppers, sliced avocado (if not using avocado spread)
Hamburger buns:
Any variety of your choice
Or you could use bagels
Method:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Microwave the black beans out of the can for 1 min and soften them. Cook the sweet potato in microwave as well for 6-8 minutes depending on the size. Bigger ones may take up to 10 minutes. Take it out, wait for it to cool down. Scoop out the flesh and leave the skin out.
Now in a food processor add the softened black beans and scooped out sweet potato. Add rest of the ingredients for the patties. Grind them in the food processor till they mix in well. Shape them into patties.
In an oven safe pan, apply oil (olive/vegetable/canola). Layer the patties and bake it at 375°F for 30 minutes. Flip them half way through around 15 minutes.
TIP:
You could also cook them on stove top on a skillet/pan or grill them too!
For the avocado spread- mix the ingredients well for that and bring it to a spread consistency.
Time to put together your burgers!
Heat up the buns on a skillet/grill/oven/toaster oven.
On one side apply the avocado spread and the other side hummus.
Add in the patties and the desired fillings and you are all set!
For vegetarian version, if using cheese slice, either melt the cheese on top of the bun or the patty itself and add it in.
You could use tomato ketchup/mustard/mayo/tahini if you would like too!
The options are limitless. Play with it and make it your own version.
TIPS:
The reason I like to make the avocado into a spread instead of just slices is that it is easier to handle. Otherwise so many veggies keep falling out of the burgers. But sliced avocados are equally yummy.
If packing for picnics, pack fillings and spreads separately or else the burgers will get soggy. If it is a short drive to your picnic spot, you could individually pack the burgers with the fillings but just skip the spreads and sauces for later.
ENJOY!
