Delicious and Healthy Homemade Veggie Burger Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 of a medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1/2 cup of mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 1 egg or egg substitute for vegan option
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for cooking

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans until they are mostly smooth.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, grated carrot, and chopped mushrooms to the bowl.
  3. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined.
  4. Stir in the bread crumbs, flour, egg or egg substitute, soy sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
  5. Mix the ingredients until the mixture holds together. You can add more bread crumbs or flour if it's too wet, or a little water if it's too dry.
  6. Form the mixture into burger patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  8. Cook the veggie burgers in the oil for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and browned.
  9. Remove the veggie burgers from the pan and let them cool on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - for mixing the ingredients together
  • Frying pan - for cooking the veggie burgers
  • Spatula - for flipping the veggie burgers while cooking
  • Knife - for chopping the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms
  • Grater - for grating the carrot
  • Measuring cups - for accurately measuring the bread crumbs, flour, and soy sauce
  • Measuring spoons - for measuring the salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder
  • Can opener - to open the can of black beans
  • Paper towels - for draining excess oil from the cooked veggie burgers

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of bean, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, instead of black beans.
  • Experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, or corn.
  • Add different herbs and spices to customize the flavor, such as paprika, thyme, or oregano.
  • Replace the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
  • Try using gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Make a vegan version by using an egg substitute, such as flaxseed meal or aquafaba.
  • Add some heat by including diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
  • Opt for a different cooking method, such as grilling the patties instead of frying them.
  • Serve the veggie burgers on lettuce wraps or whole wheat buns instead of traditional burger buns.
  • Top the burgers with various toppings such as avocado slices, caramelized onions, or vegan cheese.

Recipe overview

This delicious Veggie Burger recipe is a delightful alternative to traditional meat burgers and a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It combines the hearty texture of black beans with the fresh flavors of bell pepper, carrot, mushrooms, and onions. Spiced to perfection with cumin, chili powder, and soy sauce, these burgers offer a savory taste that's truly satisfying. The recipe is straightforward and simple, involving just a few steps of mixing ingredients, forming patties, and pan-frying to achieve a crisp exterior and tender interior. The veggie burgers can be served with your choice of burger buns, lettuce wraps, or even on their own. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of beans instead of black beans? Yes, you can use other types of beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas as a substitute for black beans. However, the taste and texture of the veggie burger may vary slightly.
  2. Can I make these veggie burgers gluten-free? Yes, you can make the veggie burgers gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute, such as almond flour or chickpea flour.
  3. Can I freeze the veggie burgers? Absolutely! You can freeze the veggie burgers after cooking them. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and cook them in a pan or on a grill.
  4. Can I bake the veggie burgers instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the veggie burgers if you prefer a healthier cooking method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
  5. Can I skip the egg or egg substitute? Yes, you can omit the egg or egg substitute if you prefer a vegan or egg-free version. The mixture may be slightly more delicate and may require extra care when handling the patties, but they will still hold together reasonably well.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Despite burgers being typically associated with meat, the concept of a meatless or 'veggie' burger has roots that date back to the early 1960s. The first commercially sold veggie burger was introduced in London in 1982 by Gregory Sams, who called it the "VegeBurger". Gregory, a pioneer in the natural foods industry, wanted to provide a nourishing, meatless option that didn't compromise on taste. His creation quickly gained popularity and initiated a whole new market for vegetarian and vegan foods. Today, veggie burgers have evolved and diversified to cater to a plethora of dietary preferences and are loved by vegetarians, vegans, and even meat eaters around the world. They stand as a testament to the creativity and adaptability of the culinary world, where delicious food doesn't have to be defined by traditional norms and ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.