Craving a burger that'll make your taste buds dance and your health-conscious mind cheer? Look no further than these incredible Walnut Mushroom Veggie Burgers! Forget boring, bland vegetarian options – this recipe is a flavor explosion that even die-hard meat lovers won't be able to resist. With a perfect blend of nutty walnuts, umami-rich mushrooms, and a symphony of spices, these burgers are about to revolutionize your plant-based meal game.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in a small amount of olive oil until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the toasted walnuts to a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground but not completely powdery.
- Add the sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, compressing them firmly so they hold together.
- Chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat with a light coating of oil.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a crispy exterior and are heated through.
- Serve on whole grain buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or vegan mayo.
Tips
- Texture is Key: When processing your ingredients, pulse carefully to maintain some chunky texture. You want a burger that's not too smooth or too coarse.
- Chill Out: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the patties for 15 minutes helps them hold together and prevents crumbling during cooking.
- Moisture Management: If your mixture seems too dry, add a little water or olive oil. If it's too wet, sprinkle in extra breadcrumbs.
- Crispy Exterior Hack: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for the best crispy exterior. Make sure the pan is properly heated before adding the patties.
- Customization is King: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices. A dash of cumin or some fresh herbs can take these burgers to the next level.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These burgers can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or frozen for up to a month.
- Serving Suggestions: Toast your buns, and don't be afraid to get creative with toppings. Avocado, caramelized onions, or a spicy aioli can elevate these burgers from great to extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
