Okay, I am going to confess something that many people find strange. I don’t like hamburger. Well, that’s not 100% true. I love hamburgers cooked on a grill but otherwise, not so much.
We ate a fair amount of ground beef growing up because:
1) Everyone loved it, but me.
2) It’s cheap.
I used to hide bits and pieces of hamburger underneath my plate. Or innocently drop a few chunks on the floor. And when all else failed, I hid it in my pockets, much to my Mom’s delight on laundry day.
Now on the other hand, I like turkey burgers. What’s the difference? I honestly don’t know. But I use hamburger very sparingly in recipes because sometimes I’m okay with it and other times I’m not.
Obviously, I’m just weird. 🙂
So given all that, you would assume that I’m a big fan of veggie burgers. I don’t mind them, but I can’t say I love them. Too often they want to imitate “real” hamburger, which I would prefer they didn’t mimic! LOL!
I never tried making a homemade version but now that I’m eating healthier, it seemed like the right time to find a good recipe. And oh boy, did I! This version is a mixture of sweet potato, beans, spices and a few other veggies. It is delicious!
Even better, it makes about 8 big burgers that freeze beautifully. It’s so nice on a hectic day to grab a veggie burger out of the freezer, bake it and lunch is served. These are very filling and satisfying, so good that even carnivores will enjoy them.
Okay, maybe my Dad might give my Mom side-eye if she tried to replace his beloved hamburger with a veggie burger.
Oh wait. She already switched to turkey burgers. Soon it will be veggie burgers! 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 (15oz can) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15oz can) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium jalapeno, finely minced
- 1 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup white onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 1-2 eggs
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2-4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oill
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a big bowl, combine beans and sweet potato. Use a potato masher to partially mash the beans. You still want the beans chunky to give the burgers texture, so it doesn’t need to be smooth.
- In a medium skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper and jalapeño until soft, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute until veggies are tender. Set aside.
- Add 1 egg, 1 1/2 cups of oats and spices to bean mixture. Add in veggies and combine well. If it’s seems too dry, add the other egg. Too moist, add another 1/2 cup of oats.
- Split the mixture into 8 patties. Press firmly to form patties. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In the same skillet you cooked the veggies, heat 1 Tablespoon of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add patties (you may need to do two separate batches) and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes or until a nice golden crust forms.
- Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato and red onion slices or over a plate of lettuce with your favorite veggies and dressing.
Notes
To Freeze: allow cooked burgers to cool to room temperature, then place on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. Place in freezer until frozen. Wrap in aluminum foil and stack in a freezer bag. To reheat place frozen patty on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
Recipe from Peas and Crayons.
Definitely printing this one out to try later! I’m with in you, in that I usually don’t like veggie burgers because they try too hard to be hamburgers. I’m always looking for a better veggie alternative, so I’m excited you shared this one 😀
I’m glad I’m not the only who doesn’t like it when veggie burgers try to be like “hamburgers”! I figured I was the only one! LOL! I think you’ll really enjoy this veggie burgers. I like that they have some spice to them without it being overwhelming. And they really do freeze well so it’s my homemade boca burger!
Hi – I’m not that keen on hamburgers of any kind, but this veggie alternative looks delicious!
I’m weird because if I go somewhere where they will cook them order over a grill, than I think they are wonderful. But make one for me in a frying pan and I’m outta here! This is a really nice version. Lots of good for you foods and I don’t feel heavy after eating one. Have a great weekend, Sue!
Looks good. I’m not a huge beef eater either, although I never went so far to hide it in my pockets. I just prefer fish! 🙂
LOL! I definitely took it to extreme measures. What can I say – not a fan of ground beef. 🙂
I love veggie burgers that actually taste good! thanks for sharing this recipe.
You’re welcome, Corinne! These definitely taste great. I agree some veggie burgers taste like cardboard. Bleech!
So, Tanya, are they real sweet? The recipe looks good, minus the sweet potatoes to me. What are your thoughts on the level of sweetness? I would love to be able to make these for the fam, but if they’re too sweet, I don’t think they’d go over so well. 🙂
I think the sweetness level will be just fine because the jalapeño and all the other spices, give it some zip. It’s not crazy hot or spicy, but there is a hint of heat. You could even add some red pepper flakes to take it up another notch. Or mix siracha sauce and mayo for the topping would also be delicious. The flavors blended well to me and I probably could taste the beans more so than the sweet potato. Hope that helps!
Hey Tanya,
Now I’m not a vegan but girl you make this look and sound so yummy!
My kids used to hide their food too…yes laundry day was full of surprises!
Thanks for sharing this with us Tanya! I hope you’re having a great weekend girlfriend!
I’m not a vegetarian either but I do enjoy the occasional vegetarian meal. They always seem so good-for-you, especially since I am trying to eat more veggies. 🙂 I thought I was only one who hid food in my pockets, but than again most Moms probably don’t pat down kids before they let them leave the table! LOL!
hmmmm, I’ve switched over to turkey burgers but this veggie burger actually doesn’t sound half bad. I will have to try it out! Thanks!
Turkey burgers are my favorite too, Arelis. I really like this veggie burger. It had great flavor and hint of heat. Plus, they freeze so darn well and I love having a quick, easy lunch. Keeps me away from fast food!