Veggie Burgers

Veggie Burger Recipe with Red Cabbage and Grilled Eggplant

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal? Then this veggie burger recipe is exactly what you need! These burgers are packed with flavor, crispy, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are vegetarian or simply looking to diversify your diet, this recipe will delight you.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 burgers

Ingredients:

- 250 g cooked chickpeas
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 6 fresh white mushrooms
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 zucchini
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro
- 2 fresh mint leaves
- A pinch of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 4 buns
- 4 slices of cheese
- Sliced tomatoes
- 1 medium eggplant
- Oregano to taste
- 200 g red cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing and frying)

Recipe History

Veggie burgers originated from the search for healthy alternatives to traditional meat burgers. They have gained popularity in recent decades due to the growing interest in vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as the awareness of the environmental impact of meat consumption. This recipe combines simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients, offering a tasty and filling meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Red Cabbage:
- Cut the red cabbage into thin strips and sprinkle with a little salt. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes. The salt will help soften the cabbage and enhance the flavors.

2. Sautéing the Ingredients:
- In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Chop the onion into small cubes and mince the garlic, then add them to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly soft.
- Add the diced mushrooms and continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are well cooked but not browned.

3. Preparing the Burger Mixture:
- In a food processor, add the cooked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, and mint. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste.
- Grate the carrot and zucchini, then drain the zucchini well to avoid a too-wet mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpea paste, mushroom mixture, and grated vegetables. Add the egg, flour, cumin, chili paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients.

4. Cooling the Mixture:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for the burgers to hold together well while frying.

5. Preparing the Eggplant:
- Cut the eggplant into slices, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and oregano, and set aside for 10 minutes. Then, grill them on a barbecue or in a grill pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and soft.

6. Forming the Burgers:
- After the mixture has been refrigerated, remove it and divide it into 4 equal parts. You can use a stainless steel mold to shape your burgers or do it by hand. Form patties that are not too thick, about 1-1.5 cm.

7. Frying the Burgers:
- In the same pan where you sautéed the onion, add a little olive oil and fry the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

8. Assembling the Burgers:
- Cut the buns in half. On each half, add a layer of red cabbage mixed with mayonnaise, a slice of cheese, a few slices of tomatoes, and finally, the fried burger and eggplant slices. Cover with the other half of the bun.

Useful Tip

- If you want to make even healthier burgers, you can omit the egg and flour, using instead a sweet potato or avocado puree to bind the ingredients.
- You can experiment with different spices or fresh herbs, such as basil or chives, to give the burgers a unique flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
- Yes, canned chickpeas are a convenient option. Make sure to rinse them well before use to remove excess sodium.

2. How can I make these burgers vegan?
- Omit the egg and flour, using instead a potato or pumpkin puree to bind the mixture.

3. Can I store the burgers in the fridge?
- Yes, uncooked burgers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you are ready to eat them, fry them directly from the fridge.

Delicious Pairings

These veggie burgers pair excellently with a fresh salad or grilled vegetable sides. You can serve them alongside a cold beer or a green smoothie for a perfect lunch or dinner!

Nutritional Benefits:
These burgers are an excellent source of protein thanks to the chickpeas, and the vegetables add a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Red cabbage is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in vitamin C.

Try this veggie burger recipe and turn your meals into a delicious and healthy culinary experience! Enjoy!