Let’s talk about a veggie burger that actually gets it right. Veggie burgers can get a bad rap for being tough or flavorless. Frozen plant-based burgers often contain artificial colors, unnatural thickeners and several food allergens. But this burger, built from wholesome ingredients, manages to bring the bold flavors and meaty texture that burger fans crave.
Mushrooms provide umami notes, beans add satiating protein and brown rice contributes texture for that perfect chew. Packed with fiber and micronutrients, cholesterol-free and deeply flavorful, this burger proves that indulgence and wellness can share the same bun.
RECIPE: All-Star Veggie Burgers
Prep time: 10 minutes| Cook time: 45 minutes | Inactive time: 1 hour (optional)| Makes 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked short-grain brown rice, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 16 ounces portobello mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 3/4 tsp sea salt, plus extra for rice
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- Cooking spray
Directions:
Heat 2 cups of water and 1 cup of rice with a dash of salt over high heat in a small pot. Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low.
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and a generous pinch of salt, and sauté until soft and browned, 6 to 9 minutes, turning down the heat slightly as needed.
Stir in the coconut aminos, garlic, paprika, chipotle chili powder and salt. Cook an additional 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the mushroom mixture, cashews, black beans and brown rice. Pulse until just combined. The mixture should hold together when pinched, but it should still have some texture.
Form into 6 patties, place them on a large plate and chill in the fridge for 1 hour. Chilling is optional if time allows, but helps the patties stay intact.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the patties with olive oil and spray the grill with cooking spray. Place the patties on the grill and use a spatula to press down lightly. Grill for 7 minutes on the first side, flip and grill for 6 to 7 minutes on the second side, or until well-charred and cooked through.
