Most Delicious Veggie Burger

Recipe from: Chef John Vargo chefjohnvargo.com

If you are looking for a great vegetarian / vegan veggie burger recipe then you need to look no further. These burgers cannot be beat. Although they do not necessary taste like “traditional” ground beef, they are very satisfying, provide you with a ton of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and will make you question why you ever wanted ground beef in the first place.

Ingredients

1 bag lentils

1 gallon water

4-6 carrots

1 large Spanish onion

6 stalks of celery

3 cloves garlic

8 crimini mushrooms

1-1/2 cup dry brown rice

1-1/2 cup Tamari or Kikkoman soy sauce

2 cups masa flour

1 tsp. ground allspice

1 Tblsp. dry oregano

1 Tblsp dry or fresh thyme chopped fine

1 Tblsp ground black pepper

Sea salt to taste

Directions

1. Slowly pour the dry lentils into a thick bottomed pot that is large enough to hold entirety of ingredients. Be sure to watch carefully for stones that may have escaped the packagers view during processing.
2. Cover with the water and place on medium – high heat to begin cooking process.
3. Dice the vegetables ( carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms) and add to the lentils as they cook.
4. Mince the garlic and add to pot. Turn the heat down to medium once the mixture starts to boil.
5. Add the brown rice, the soy sauce, the dry spices and herbs. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally.
6. As the rice cooks, and the mixture thickens, turn the heat down further, and stir more frequently to prevent the mixture from burning to the bottom of the pot. 
7. Once the mixture has cooked until it is about the consistency of refried beans, add the masa flour into the mixture and stir very well. 
8. Season with salt if desired and turn off the burner. Let mixture sit until it cools enough for you to handle with your hands.
9. Form the cooled mixture into approximately 5 oz. burger patties and cook them in a frying pan or griddle with olive oil until they are golden brown, flipping and repeating on the other side.
10. Place the cooked burgers on a sheet pan for freezing or serve immediately (or both!)
11. Place the cooked burger on a toasted bun with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this veggie burger recipe. Be sure to check out the other recipes on this site.