Savory Pecan and Mushroom Gourmet Burger with Blue Cheese Drizzle
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Savory Pecan and Mushroom Gourmet Burger, a delightful vegetarian option for any meal. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, this burger features a harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs. The creamy blue cheese drizzle adds a tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the savory patties. These burgers are not only delicious but also versatile: prepare a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick meals on busy nights. The recipe allows for easy customization, including a vegan option if you choose to omit the egg, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Add some fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying burger experience. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or a quick weeknight treat.
8
Servings
40
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonfat plain yogurt
1/3 cup (none)
crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons (1 ounce) (none)
prepared blue cheese dressing
1 tablespoon (none)
chives
1 tablespoon (minced)
bulgur
2/3 cup (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon, divided (none)
boiling water
1 cup (none)
white mushrooms
8 ounces (stems trimmed, wiped clean, and chopped)
mixed chopped wild mushrooms
1 cup (optional) (none)
chopped onion
1 cup (none)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
pecan pieces
1/2 cup (none)
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
fine dry breadcrumb
1/2 cup (Italian flavored recommended)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (may substitute 1/2 tablespoon Greek seasoning)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the nonfat plain yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, chives (if using), and prepared blue cheese dressing. Use a fork to blend until creamy and slightly chunky. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the burgers. This sauce will keep fresh for up to 2 days.
2
In a small bowl, mix the bulgur and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pour the boiling water over the bulgur, cover, and let it sit until all the water is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes. Once done, drain the bulgur in a sieve to remove excess moisture.
3
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the chopped mushrooms, onion, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar, stirring well. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a plate to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
4
Once the vegetable mixture has cooled, place it in a food processor and pulse briefly until coarsely chopped. Add the lightly beaten egg and pulse again just until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer this mixture into a large mixing bowl.
5
Fold in the prepared bulgur, breadcrumb, pecan pieces, Italian seasoning, and freshly ground pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
6
Using damp hands, form the mixture into eight patties, each about 1/2-inch thick, or shape them into smaller sliders if you prefer. If using a cookie sheet, spray it with cooking spray and arrange the patties on it.
7
To cook, position the burgers about 5 to 6 inches under a preheated broiler on high. Broil for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly crisped and heated through. Alternatively, cook on a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, ensuring they are well browned but careful as they may be delicate.
8
Garnish your burgers with fresh watercress and the prepared blue cheese drizzle just before serving. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
5
Carbs
18
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in the Savory Pecan and Mushroom Gourmet Burger?
This burger features a harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs, topped with a tangy blue cheese drizzle.
Is this mushroom burger suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is a delightful vegetarian option packed with nutrient-dense ingredients.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, the recipe allows for a vegan option if you choose to omit the egg and use vegan-friendly alternatives for the dairy components.
What ingredients are in the blue cheese drizzle?
The drizzle is made by combining nonfat plain yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, minced chives, and prepared blue cheese dressing.
How long can the blue cheese sauce be stored?
The blue cheese sauce will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How do I prepare the bulgur for the patties?
Mix the bulgur with salt and pour 1 cup of boiling water over it, then let it sit until the water is fully absorbed.
How long does the bulgur need to soak?
The bulgur needs to sit for approximately 20 minutes to absorb all the water.
What is the first step in cooking the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped mushrooms and onion with salt in a nonstick skillet for 8 to 10 minutes until softened.
When should I add the garlic and balsamic vinegar?
Add the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar after the mushrooms and onions have softened, then stir well and remove from heat.
Do I need to cool the mushroom mixture before processing?
Yes, transfer the sautéed mixture to a plate and let it cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How should I use a food processor for this recipe?
Pulse the cooled vegetable mixture briefly until coarsely chopped, then add the beaten egg and pulse again until just combined.
What ingredients are folded into the final burger mix?
Fold in the prepared bulgur, dry breadcrumbs, pecan pieces, Italian seasoning, and fresh ground pepper.
Can I substitute the Italian seasoning?
Yes, you may substitute the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning with 1/2 tablespoon of Greek seasoning.
How many burger patties does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 burger patties.
What is the recommended thickness for the patties?
The patties should be formed to be about 1/2-inch thick.
Can I make sliders instead of full burgers?
Yes, you can shape the mixture into smaller sliders if you prefer.
How do I cook the burgers in the broiler?
Position the patties 5 to 6 inches under a preheated broiler on high and cook for about 8 minutes until crisped.
Can I cook these burgers on a stovetop?
Yes, cook them on a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side until well browned.
Are the patties delicate during cooking?
Yes, the patties may be delicate, so handle them carefully when turning them over.
What are the suggested garnishes for serving?
Garnish the burgers with fresh watercress and the prepared blue cheese drizzle.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare a batch ahead of time and store them for quick meals on busy nights.
How should I store leftover burgers?
You can store the prepared burgers in the refrigerator or the freezer.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Fine dry breadcrumbs are required, and Italian flavored ones are recommended for extra taste.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories.
How much protein does this burger provide?
Each serving of this gourmet burger provides 18 grams of protein.
Does the recipe include any optional mushroom types?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 cup of mixed chopped wild mushrooms for more flavor depth.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
How much fat is in each burger?
Each burger contains 3 grams of fat.
Can I add fresh herbs to the burger mixture?
Yes, adding fresh parsley can provide a burst of color and additional flavor to the patties.
What type of events are these burgers best for?
They are perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or as a quick weeknight treat.