July 17, 2013
Frozen Veggie Burgers?
As a general rule if you can't spell it, don't eat it.
When I switched to be a vegetarian I lived off of these things. Frozen veggie patties, in all forms! They did what they were supposed to for the time being but as I became more educated and branched out trying new recipes. I learned quickly that that should be a last resort. As someone who was trying to cut out the processed foods...hmmm....what exactly was the difference there? NOTHING!
Frozen Veggie Burgers are good for..
1. Quick meals at work or between obligations. When you have virtually not time.
2. If going to someone's house and you know they aren't likely to accommodate you. (I also like to pack cottage cheese for that)
3. An alternative to chicken nuggets for kids.
Over time and several recipes I came up with my alternative to veggie burgers that were thicker and perfect for "burger" replicates.
Give this a try!
Simple Veggie Burgers
Ingredients:
1 can tomato paste small is fine if you are just cooking for yourself
1 garlic clove
Dash of Salt and pepper
diced onion (white or cloves)
1/4 c garbanzo beans
1 piece of Dried 100 % Whole wheat bread (Piece of bread left out to try)
Saltines
2 TBS Olive Oil
Directions: Combine Tomato paste, chopped garlic cloves, diced onion, salt/pepper and garbanzo beans in a food processor. When fine take scrape out with a spatula and combine dried bread crumbs crushed and several crushed saltines until a thicker consistency. (you can add other spices you feel necessary) When product is moldable than warm your skillet to medium with a dash of olive oil. Form you patties and store on parchment paper. When skillet is warm enough the water dances on the surfaces when splashed. Add your patties. Watch carefully as they brown on one side, flip them over. Serve with a bun or by itself. It is a perfect alternative to hamburgers! I use them when we have barbeques. Once frozen they can be warmed up on a grill quickly or microwave. Enjoy! Share your results.