Veggie Burgers

These are best served with Mango Avocado Salsa (trust me on this). You can also add anything you want to inside them, like shredded zucchini, spinach, or edamame. This is the basic recipe, but I recommend adding onto it!


Burgers

1 14. oz can black beans, drained (I used Bush's seasoned)
A handful or two of baby carrots, finely chopped (these don't cook much, so make it small!)
1 yellow onion, diced
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)
1/4 cup wheat germ (or corn meal)
edamame/spinach/zucchini/etc.
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
olive oil for cooking

1. Squish all ingredients (except olive oil) between your fingers until it's consistent. If you prefer a milder taste to the onions, you can saute them in olive oil until translucent before putting into your burgers.

2. Shape into patties big enough to fit your buns and cook in olive oil for 3 minutes a side until lightly browned; serve with salsa!

Buns

Here is the bun recipe in case you're feeling bold (or bored. Or both.)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup warm water
2 envelopes yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (I find 45 seconds in the microwave does the trick!)
1/4 cup sugar (plus one pinch)
3 T. butter, melted but not too hot
2 teaspoons salt
about 5 cups flour (625 g.)
2 eggs
1 egg for brushing (optional; butter can also be used but the effect is not as nice)
sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Proof yeast in a large bowl with the warm water with a pinch of sugar.

2. Add milk, sugar, butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour and mix with your hand

3. Stir in the 2 eggs

4. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough is formed

5. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes

6. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let sit in a warm place for 45 minutes

7. Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces for buns, 16 pieces for sliders

8. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a lightly greased or parchment-covered baking sheet; cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30-40 minutes

9. Preheat oven to 400

10. Brush buns with egg (or butter) and sprinkle on sesame seeds if you have them. P

11. Cook for 10-12 minutes