Hearty Flavorful Veggie Burgers (Printable view)
Satisfying bean and vegetable patties seasoned with smoky spices, ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 medium carrot, grated
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
→ Beans and Grains
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
08 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
→ Binders and Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (or 1 egg for non-vegan option)
10 - 3 tbsp water (only if using flaxseed)
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For Cooking
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Steps:
01 - If using flaxseed, combine ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
03 - Transfer the drained black beans to a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, partially mash the beans while leaving some texture intact for a hearty bite.
04 - Add the sautéed vegetables, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and the prepared flax egg (or regular egg) to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
05 - Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a firm patty approximately 3/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through completely.
07 - Serve the patties on toasted buns with your preferred toppings such as crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, avocado, or pickles.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These patties hold together beautifully without falling apart, which is the secret struggle of every veggie burger I ever tried before this one.
- The smoky, savory flavor satisfies even the most devoted carnivores at your table.
- You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.
02 -
- If your mixture feels too wet to hold its shape, add breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until it firms up.
- Letting the shaped patties rest in the fridge for fifteen minutes before cooking makes them significantly sturdier in the pan.
03 -
- Do not flip the patties too early because the first side needs time to form a real crust that holds everything together.
- Tomato paste is the secret weapon here, so never leave it out even if you are tempted to skip it.