10-Minute Veggie Burger

When I first made this burger, I was surprised by the way the outside reminded me of a chicken burger. There's a crunch that crumbles in your mouth. Obviously, quinoa isn't chicken so the burger doesn't taste like chicken, but the texture of the outside of the burger does remind me of biting into a fried chicken patty.

How To Make the Burger

Throw everything in a food processor EXCEPT the panko breadcrumbs and the shredded cheese.

I recommend blending thoroughly. I stop blending once the mixture begins coagulating and sticking to the sides of the mixer. Once the goop stops moving a whole lot, its time to pull the plug.

Clean the mixture out into a bowl and add the breadcrumbs and cheese. I mix it up with my hands because that seems the easiest way to me. Do what you like.

Once its all mixed together, grab a nice handful of the mix and form it into a ball. I try to keep the cheese from sticking out everywhere so that it doesn't burn when I put it in the pan. Flatten the ball in your hands until its about a 1/2 an inch thick patty. Set it on a platter and do the same thing until the mixture is used up.



Set the burner to high heat until a bit of oil is bubbling, then reduce heat to medium, place the burgers in the pan and cover. I let each burger cook for a couple minutes until the bottom starts turning a bit brown, then flip the burgers over. Same on the other side.

At this point, you could either lay a piece of cheese over the burger and let the heat of the stove melt it, or just serve the burger without cheese. Whichever way you prefer.

10 Minute Veggie Burger Recipe

Makes 6-8 Burgers

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups cooked Quinoa
• 1 Cup White Beans
• 1/2 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1/4 Cup Egg Whites
• 2 Teaspoons minced Garlic
• 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Oil, as needed for frying

Directions:

1. Add quinoa, white beans, egg whites, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.  Process on high until thoroughly combined.  It's ready when it develops a thick consistency and nearly stops moving.
2. Remove from processor to a medium-sized bowl and combine with breadcrumbs and cheese.  Mix  thoroughly.  Scoop large handfuls and form into balls.  Flatten and make sure no cheese strands stick out.  
3. Heat a frying pan on high heat until oil begins bubbling.  Reduce heat to medium.  Add the formed patties to the pan and cover.  Let simmer for 2-3 minutes each side, or until browning.  Add a slice of cheese to melt it, if desired.  Remove from heat and add to sandwiches!