Burgers are a tasty and versatile meal, great for cooking on a grill, an easy contribution to a bbq and a satisfying focus around which to place some delicious side dishes. Plant-based burger recipes are plentiful and we have enjoyed many of them. Their base can be a wide variety of vegetables, from such delicious foods as quinoa, chick peas, beans, lentils, sweet potatoes and tofu. After experimenting with many different burger ingredients, we finally have found our favourite combination.
Here is why we like this recipe.
It is quick to put together.
Its basic ingredients are a BONANZA of healthy foods, from chia and flaxseed to carrots, onions, sweet potato and cilantro with a healthy grain thrown in.
Once made, the burgers STAY together during cooking and storage, a challenge for many plant-based burgers.
These burgers can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
And most of all, Bonanza Burgers taste delicious and satisfying.
BONANZA BURGERS
Makes about 16 burger patties
2 – 15 oz cans of black beans, drained & rinsed
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tbsp ground chia seed
1 large raw carrot, peeled and grated
1 medium raw sweet potato, peeled and grated
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
1 ½ cups rolled oats, coarsely ground
2/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
3 tbsp tamari soy sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
¾ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Have handy….
Your favourite BBQ sauce
Toppings as desired – sliced tomatoes and onions, greens such as spinach, arugula or kale.
Whole-wheat buns
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, blend black beans into a paste, transfer paste to a large mixing bowl.
Stir in the rest of the ingredients and use your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
Adjust the seasonings to taste, if desired.
Shape dough into 16 patties. Be sure to pack the ingredients tightly together so that they don’t break apart during cooking. Place patties on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush patties with your favourite BBQ sauce. Bake patties for 10 minutes, gently flip, then bake for 10 minutes more, until the patties are firm and golden.
When ready to eat, heat patties over a preheated grill or in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Serve on toasted buns with slices of tomatoes and onions, a sprinkle of greens and your favourite burger sauces.