Get Natured

, by Allison

Savory, sweet, and smoky veggie burger

I know, I know a veggie burger recipe on a vegetarian blog...boring, right? No! I'll admit that I don't really care for most commercial veggie burgers. Many of them have a paragraph of ingredients and only a few brands actually taste decent to me. I definitely prefer a homemade burger, especially if it is made with nuts. (Incidentally, if you find yourself anywhere near Fair Oaks, Ca you must try the nut burger at the Sunflower Drive-In- it is legendary and fantastical!)

Awhile back I had a veggie burger at another local restaurant (The Counter) that was really unique and delicious. The patty itself was great but I also loved that they gave me the option to have it served over salad greens instead of a bun. I was on a mission to recreate this burger at home and I think I did pretty well! The dried cranberries make these seem extra perfect for fall. Yum.

Savory, Sweet, and Smoky Veggie Burgers ala "The Counter"
Makes about 6-8 patties

Olive oil
3/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
1/3 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup finely chopped spinach
1/3 cup corn
1/4 tsp chili powder (I like red New Mexico chili powder)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup black beans
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 300ºF (149ºC). Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Put the onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and carrots in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Saute the veggie mixture for a few minutes (until beginning to soften). Add spinach, corn, chili powder, paprika, pepper, and salt and cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Lightly toss the bread crumbs with a little olive oil. Spread the bread crumbs and walnuts on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper in a thin layer. Bake until they begin to brown (about 10 minutes).
Put the brown rice in the food processor and process until it is beginning to clump together. Add the beans and process to chop them.
In a large bowl, combine the veggies, rice and beans, bread crumbs and walnuts, and cranberries. Form into patties and fry in a lightly oiled skillet until browned on both sides (flip once). Serve in a whole grain bun with avocado or on top of salad greens with your favorite dressing.

My favorite restaurant veggie burgers in the Sacramento area:

Sunflower Drive-In "Nut Burger"
Tower Cafe "Earth Burger"
The Counter veggie burger

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, by Allison

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