Veggie Burgers

(112)
veggie burgers
Photo: James Wojcik
Servings:
6

These veggie burgers get their rich, earthy flavor from mushrooms and nutty quinoa, and are topped with sharp radish sprouts and cool cucumbers. Greek yogurt is a zesty Mediterranean replacement for ketchup. Serve these with our Golden-Beet Salad as a side dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 portobello mushrooms (8 ounces), stems removed, cut into ½-inch pieces

  • 1 small zucchini

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

  • ¼ cup minced shallot (1 large shallot)

  • ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes

  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¾ cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions (2 cups cooked)

  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt

  • Freshly ground pepper

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 ½ cups fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs

  • 6 whole-wheat buns, split

  • Yogurt-Garlic Sauce for Veggie Burgers

  • 1 cup radish sprouts, or other fresh sprouts

  • ½ English cucumber, peeled and cut diagonally into ¼-inch-thick slices

Directions

  1. Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped, and transfer to a bowl. Shred zucchini, place on paper towels, and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Add to mushrooms.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add shallot and red-pepper flakes, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and zucchini, and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and add Parmesan, quinoa, and salt. Season with pepper. Let cool completely, then stir in egg and breadcrumbs. Cover, and refrigerate until cold and firm, about 1 hour.

  3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Shape mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick patties, pressing firmly. Cook in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.

  4. Wipe pan clean, and return to medium heat. Brush cut sides of buns with oil, and heat buns, cut sides down, until toasted, about 1 minute. Spread yogurt-garlic sauce on cut sides of bun halves. Divide burgers, sprouts, and cucumber among bottom halves. Sandwich with top halves.

Cook's Notes

These patties are softer than a traditional veggie burger. The pan-searing helps the patty hold together and forms a crisp crust.

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