Grilled Vegetable & Quinoa Fusion Burgers
Inspired by a delightful experience at the Stable Cafe in Biltmore, these Grilled Vegetable & Quinoa Fusion Burgers are a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Toasting the quinoa before preparation adds a nutty depth, while the grilled vegetables contribute a smoky sweetness. This recipe yields 7-8 hearty servings, perfect for lunch or a delightful snack. With a labor-intensive yet immensely rewarding approach, these burgers can be prepared ahead of time, cooked, and even frozen for future meals. Enjoy them on robust buns or as a standalone treat accompanied by your favorite condiments!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 (Peeled and sliced thickly lengthwise)
Squash
1 (Peeled if necessary and sliced (optional))
Red Bell Pepper
1 (Seeds removed and sliced lengthwise into 6 strips (can substitute with bottled roasted peppers))
Red Onion
1 (Peeled and sliced)
Portobello Mushroom Cap
1 large (Substitute with several small mushrooms if desired)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For brushing vegetables, plus more for cooking burgers)
Quinoa
1 cup (Raw, toasted recommended)
Eggs
4 large (Slightly beaten)
Parsley
1 bunch (Stems removed and chopped (approx. 1 cup loosely packed))
Garlic
5-10 cloves (Minced (more or less depending on size of cloves, I used 5))
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (Plain)
Oats
1 cup (Pulsed several times in a food processor)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste (I used about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
Pepper
to taste (I used a generous dusting)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and slicing the zucchini and red onion. If using, peel the squash and slice it as well. Brush the vegetables lightly with olive oil for grilling.
2
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the zucchini, red bell pepper, portobello mushroom, and red onion until they are tender and nicely caramelized, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Once cooled, chop the grilled vegetables into rough to medium-sized pieces.
3
Before you proceed with the quinoa, consider following Recipe #16399 to toast it and enhance its flavor.
4
In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add in the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the quinoa for 7 minutes until it's partially tender. Drain any excess water and allow it to cool. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled grilled vegetables, partially cooked quinoa, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, oats, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. If the mixture seems too wet, gradually add more oats until it reaches a suitable consistency for shaping.
6
Using your hands or a patty press, form the quinoa mixture into patties. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it with olive oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and heated through.
7
Serve warm on toasted buns with your choice of toppings and condiments. Enjoy your delicious homemade burgers!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Vegetable & Quinoa Fusion Burgers?
They are a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, featuring toasted quinoa and caramelized grilled vegetables.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a delightful experience at the Stable Cafe in Biltmore.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 7-8 hearty servings, making it great for meals or snacks.
Can these quinoa burgers be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared ahead of time, cooked, and even frozen for future meals.
Why should I toast the quinoa before cooking?
Toasting the quinoa adds a nutty depth of flavor to the burger patties.
What vegetables are included in these burgers?
The recipe includes zucchini, squash, red bell pepper, red onion, and portobello mushrooms.
How should I prepare the zucchini for grilling?
The zucchini should be peeled and sliced thickly lengthwise before being brushed with olive oil.
Can I substitute the red bell pepper?
Yes, you can substitute fresh red bell pepper with bottled roasted peppers.
How long do the vegetables need to be grilled?
Grill the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are tender and caramelized.
What is the cooking time for the quinoa?
The quinoa should be boiled for 7 minutes until it is partially tender.
Why shouldn't I overcook the quinoa?
Avoiding overcooking helps maintain the proper texture for the burger mixture.
What ingredients act as binders in this recipe?
Eggs, breadcrumbs, and processed oats act as binders to hold the patties together.
What should I do if the burger mixture is too wet?
If the mixture is too wet, gradually add more oats until it reaches a consistency suitable for shaping.
How do I prepare the oats for the burger mix?
The oats should be pulsed several times in a food processor before being added to the bowl.
What is the recommended size for chopping the grilled vegetables?
Once cooled, the grilled vegetables should be chopped into rough to medium-sized pieces.
How long should I cook the patties in the skillet?
Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and heated through.
Can I use a patty press for these burgers?
Yes, you can use either your hands or a patty press to form the quinoa mixture into patties.
Is peeling the squash mandatory?
No, the recipe suggests peeling the squash only if necessary.
How much garlic is suggested for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5-10 minced cloves, depending on the size of the cloves and your preference.
Are these burgers considered vegetarian?
Yes, they are tagged as vegetarian and healthy.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
While the recipe uses eggs, it is tagged as vegan optional, suggesting you could use an egg substitute.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best for this burger?
The recipe specifies using plain breadcrumbs.
Can these burgers be served without a bun?
Yes, they can be served on robust buns or as a standalone treat with your favorite condiments.
What type of mushroom is best for this recipe?
A large portobello mushroom cap is recommended, but you can substitute it with several small mushrooms.
How much olive oil is required?
You need 1 tablespoon for brushing vegetables, plus more for cooking the burgers in a skillet.
What provides the smoky sweetness in the burgers?
The smoky sweetness is provided by the caramelized grilled vegetables.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of quinoa, oats, and assorted vegetables makes this a high-fiber meal.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for a bunch of fresh chopped parsley for the best flavor and texture.
What should I do with the quinoa after boiling it?
Drain any excess water and allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients.
What is the best way to serve these burgers?
Serve them warm on toasted buns with your choice of toppings and condiments.