In Search of a Good Veggie Burger

by Laura Donnelly — August 23, 2007

I have been trying different commercial brands of "veggie burgers." I have yet to find one that I like that much. Does anyone out there have a favorite brand or a good recipe for homemade veggie burgers?

This recipe is the closest I can get to a good burger substitute.

Adzuki Bean and Brown Rice Burgers
Makes 6 burgers

1/4 cup adzuki beans, soaked overnight
1/4 cup brown rice
2 Tablespoons soybean flakes
1 carrot
2 cups vegetable stock
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 egg, beaten
2 Tablespoons wheat germ
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Burger buns and garnishes such as avocado slices, lettuce, red onion, mustard, and so on

1. In medium saucepan, cook beans, brown rice, soy bean flakes, and carrot in vegetable stock for 40 minutes. Drain well.

2. Heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic til light golden. Add mushrooms and cook until liquid has evaporated. Add bean mixture and cool.

3. Place mixture in food processor. Puree just until evenly chopped, you don’t want to really puree it. Stir in egg and wheat germ. Season with soy sauce and pepper. Fold in the flour and form into six patties.

4. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and sauté patties until firm and golden brown, about 10 minutes, turning after about 4 minutes. Serve with condiments and garnishes.