Savory Veggie Bean Burgers
Elevate your lunch or snack game with these Savory Veggie Bean Burgers! A delightful blend of wholesome bulgur, hearty garbanzo beans, and aromatic spices come together to create a satisfying burger experience. Unlike store-bought options, making these veggie burgers at home is not only more affordable but also allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste. The preparation is simple and quick – combine, mix, form, and cook! You can easily prepare a batch, freeze them, and enjoy a burger anytime with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings, these burgers are versatile enough to serve in various ways, whether in a bun or as a flavorful addition to salads and wraps. Enjoy the satisfaction of a delicious homemade meal anytime you crave it!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked bulgur
2/3 cup
boiling water
1 1/3 cups
dry whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 cup
garbanzo beans
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
egg
1 (beaten)
tomato paste or sun-dried tomato paste
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons
chili powder
1 tablespoon
onion powder
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine 2/3 cup uncooked bulgur with 1 1/3 cups boiling water. Cover the bowl and let it steam for 10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
2
While the bulgur is steaming, prepare the bean mixture. In a food processor, combine 1 (15-ounce) can of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or sun-dried tomato paste for a richer flavor), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, black pepper to taste, and salt as desired. Process until you have a smooth paste.
3
Transfer the bean mixture to a large mixing bowl. Once the bulgur is ready, drain any excess water and add it to the bowl with the bean mixture. Mix in 1 beaten egg and 1/2 cup of dry whole wheat bread crumbs, stirring until fully combined. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to allow it to bind together.
4
After resting, form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, ensuring they hold their shape. You can choose to grill or pan-fry the patties over medium heat until they are golden brown and heated through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
5
To prepare for later use, arrange the formed patties on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer. Cook as needed by grilling or frying directly from frozen.
6
For a fun variation, shape the mixture into smaller 2-inch patties and serve them nestled inside tortillas or pita pockets, or even on mini rye bread for delightful party bites!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Veggie Bean Burgers?
Savory Veggie Bean Burgers are a homemade, plant-based alternative to store-bought burgers, made with a blend of bulgur, garbanzo beans, and aromatic spices.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 equal-sized patties.
What is the main protein source in these burgers?
The primary protein source in these burgers is garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas).
How do I prepare the bulgur for the burger mixture?
Combine 2/3 cup uncooked bulgur with 1 1/3 cups boiling water in a bowl, cover it, and let it steam for 10 minutes until the water is absorbed.
How long does the bulgur need to steam?
The bulgur should steam for approximately 10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
What should I do if there is excess water in the bulgur?
You should drain any excess water before adding the bulgur to the bean mixture.
Can I use sun-dried tomato paste instead of regular tomato paste?
Yes, you can use sun-dried tomato paste for a richer flavor profile.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used for seasoning these burgers?
The burgers are seasoned with chili powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Is an egg necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 beaten egg is used in this recipe to help bind the ingredients together.
What kind of bread crumbs should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of dry whole wheat bread crumbs.
How long should the mixture rest before forming patties?
The mixture should sit for 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to bind properly.
Why is it important to let the mixture rest?
Resting for 30 minutes ensures that the patties hold their shape during the cooking process.
What is the best way to cook these veggie burgers?
You can either grill or pan-fry the patties over medium heat until golden brown.
How long do the patties take to cook?
They take approximately 5-7 minutes per side to cook through.
Can I freeze these bean burgers?
Yes, these burgers are freezer-friendly. Freeze them on a wax paper-lined sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag.
Do I need to thaw the frozen burgers before cooking?
No, you can grill or fry the patties directly from frozen.
What are some serving suggestions for these burgers?
They can be served in a bun with toppings, in tortillas, pita pockets, or even as part of a salad.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
The recipe includes gluten-free options like substituting the bread crumbs and ensuring soy sauce is gluten-free, though the base recipe uses bulgur which contains gluten.
How do I make party-sized versions of these burgers?
Shape the mixture into smaller 2-inch patties to serve as sliders or mini rye bread bites.
What equipment is needed to prepare the bean mixture?
A food processor is recommended to process the garbanzo beans and spices into a smooth paste.
Are these burgers more affordable than store-bought ones?
Yes, making them at home is generally more affordable and allows for full ingredient customization.
What is the flavor profile of these burgers?
They are savory and aromatic, with a slight kick from chili powder and richness from tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use these burgers in wraps?
Yes, they are very versatile and work well when nestled inside tortillas or wraps.
How should I store leftover cooked patties?
Leftover cooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days.
What is the texture of the burgers like?
The combination of smooth bean paste and steamed bulgur provides a hearty and satisfying texture.
Does the recipe use soy sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce is used to add depth and saltiness to the flavor.
Can I use these for meal prep?
Absolutely, since they freeze and reheat well, they are perfect for busy weekday meal planning.
Is onion powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of onion powder is added for savory flavor.
What heat setting is best for pan-frying?
Medium heat is ideal to ensure the burgers cook through without burning the outside.