Food Friday: Scrumptious veggie burgers

If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on (wait...I think that's it for me!) you may have picked up on my new favourite thing...the OhSheGlows cookbook. This talented women is from my hometown of Oakville, ON, and was first introduced to me by my mom's personal trainer. It's great how people can be in different provinces, or even different countries, and connect through a certain passion (healthy delicious food in this case).

Although I always recommend The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook to friends, family and patients, this new cookbook is definitely going to be a go to as well. I am not a vegan, and probably never will be, but I've come to the conclusion that meat is not my forte to cook, which is one reason why this vegan cookbook (yes vegan!) is perfect for me. These recipes are easy to prepare and oh so delicious. There are a few new ingredients that you may have to start stocking in your pantry but not many. 

So far in a week, I have made curry lentil cauliflower soup, cocoa zucchini muffins, buckwheat porridge and these delicious veggie burgers. I wasn't slaving away in the kitchen either! Burgers are a favourite of mine when going out to eat (and no, not the fast food kind), however it is always nice to change it up once and awhile. Put off by veggie burgers? I had a taste tester and he was pleasantly surprised!

Photo from OhSheGlows.com

Photo from OhSheGlows.com

So whats in them?

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 medium can black beans, drained and rinsed (a source of iron)
  • 1 cup grated carrots or sweet potato (I used sweet potato)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves (great for the liver remember!)
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red or yellow onions
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted if preferred 
  • 3/4 gluten-free rolled oats, processed into a flour (Any blender/grinder/food processor will work)
  • 1/2 cup spelt bread crumbs or sprouted-grain brain crumbs, optional (I used rice bread crumbs)
  • 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos (Something I'm still not familiar with!), to taste 
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4-1 tsp fine-grain sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:  

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix flaxseed with 3 tbsp of warm water and let sit.
  • In a large bowl, mash the black beans into a paste, leaving a few beans intact for texture. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and the flaxseed mixture. Adjust the seasonings to taste, if desired. Mix well until combined.
  • With slightly wet hands, shape the dough into 8 patties. Pack the dough tightly to help it hold together during cooking and place the patties on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the patties for 15 minutes, gently flip them, and bake for 15-20 minutes more, until the patties are firm and golden. 
  • Serve in a bun, in leafy green lettuce or crumbled over a salad with avocado, mustard, tomato or any topping you prefer. 

Enjoy and tell me what you think! 

Happy Friday!

In health and happiness,

Dr. Karen