Saturday, 3 September 2011

Veggie burgers...and a moment to relax

Last night we managed to have a moment to relax in between visitors and work and our other commitments.  Friday nights at our little pad is normally reserved for a pizza party or burger night...our schedule has been a little out of whack lately with guests and stuff so last night it was a welcome treat to return to normal...except for the running around trying to hang out bedding to dry, tidying and general catching up on other chores...

I am slightly spoiled...work finishes at 12:45 on a Friday, allowing me some "me" time to catch up on some tv I've missed during the week that David isn't interested in...some knitting...and giving me the time to actually take my time to prepare dinner.  Not that last night's dinner needed much time to prepare...

I've been searching for a good go-to Veggie burger for a while...I often just grill giant portobello mushrooms with some garlic, thyme, oil and vinegar...but after Sue's Soyburger Post last month I've been craving a proper beany chunky burger.  I searched as hard as I could manage to find dried soy beans, with no luck (there are two organic markets I need to try when I have the time)...but remembered I had bookmarked the incredible looking Ultimate Veggie Burger post over at 101 cookbooks...ages ago...

I've settled for chickpeas this time around...but am determined to find those evasive soy beans for the next time.  


Using both recipes as inspiration and guidance I whipped up a batch of 8 burgers in no time...6 wrapped and popped into the freezer and 2 chilled until it was time to EAT! I used 2 tins of chickpeas, drained and rinsed...I don't have a food processor (yet) so I whizzed up one tin with my stick blender and kept the other tin of chickpeas whole...to those I added 4 eggs, about 3/4 of a cup of breadcrumbs ( i just kept adding them until it seemed like the right consistency), one giant carrot grated, 1 red onion chipped finely and a huge handful of chopped coriander and chopped basil....oh and some salt and cayenne pepper.  The mixture was wet, but I was really happy with the end result.

Slathered with mayo and topped with lettuce, avocado and sauteed mushrooms this burger totally hit the spot! No buns this time around...owing to a disastrous internet shop (itty bitty buns instead of burger sized!).  Served with crinkle cut oven chips this burger was a great, and indulgent, way to end the week.

Our next guests arrive in 3 hours....

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10 comments:

  1. Katey3 September 2011 at 11:54

    That looks incredible! Love unusual toppings in my burgers and mushrooms and avocado sounds super yummy :-)

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  2. Sue/the view from great island3 September 2011 at 13:31

    Thanks for the link up! Dried soybeans have always been hard to find here, too, which is weird because I think they're one of the biggest crops grown in the US or something. But all of a sudden I'm noticing them in better stores.
    I never thought of having a veggie burger without the bun, but now that I think of it, what a good idea. Yours looks luxuriously healthy, and nicely balanced by the fries...;)

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  3. From Beyond My Kitchen Window3 September 2011 at 16:55

    I really like the sound of this chick pea burger. Avocado has all that good type of fat are bodies need. Wonderful recipe.

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  4. Anonymous3 September 2011 at 20:30

    these sound great, especially with the avocado and mushroom toppings!

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  5. Victoria4 September 2011 at 08:44

    Katey...thanks! it was super yummy...

    Sue...yes the fries were a necessity...for balance?? ahhaha...still determined to find me some soybeans.

    From Beyond...I am a sucker for avocado!

    Two Hippos...thanks! It was really good...if I do say so myself :)

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  6. Rita4 September 2011 at 11:41

    Important to have Me time; never made veggie burger; sure looks good.
    Rita

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  7. Chele4 September 2011 at 12:13

    Did you ever go to Bar Sirus in Leith? Its not there any more but their veggie burgers have got to be the best I've ever tasted! Mind you these babies look like they would give them a run for the their money ;0)

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  8. Victoria7 September 2011 at 17:57

    Rita....me time is important...but why is it always the last thing we think about? :)

    Chele...thanks!! never been to Bar Sirus...but if I find a killer burger on my explorations in Edin I'll let you know!!

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  9. Jacqueline Meldrum8 September 2011 at 19:06

    Sounds lovely. I love the slices of avocado on it. Must remember that next time I have a veggie burger.

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  10. Victoria9 September 2011 at 19:00

    Jacqueline...avocado is MUST!! :)

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