These patties are perfect for a party: remarkably tasty, healthy and inexpensive. They can be served like traditional burgers or with a variety of sauces, bun or no bun (tomato, pesto, salsa, mayo-based, etc.).
The patties take about an hour or so to make from start to finish, assuming all goes well, including cooking the pre-soaked beans (6 minutes at high pressure) and quinoa (5 minutes at high pressure) in the pressure cooker. We make large batches for ourselves and freeze them for quick meals for those days we just don’t have time or energy to cook.
Now this is important, especially when working with large batches: Adjust, be flexible and it will be fine. With veg burgers, the goal is to have a burger that holds together well – the balance of wet and dry. The precise moisture content of the beans, onions, etc. will vary so we usually end up adding more mushrooms because they add juiciness and flavor. The vital wheat gluten is binding if the mixture feels too wet, adding a little at a time.
Oh, and the Be Flexible rule works with pretty much everything in life. Enjoy the party!
INGREDIENTS:
8-10 cups cooked black beans, lightly drained and mashed or processed in food processor
7 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
½ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup toasted flax seeds
12 oz. button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 medium-large onion, finely chopped
2-3 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tbsp. dried onion flakes
1 tbsp. ground black pepper
1 tbsp. granulated garlic
2 tbsp. salt
1½ cups vital wheat gluten
Olive or other vegetable oil (for shaping and baking patties)
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Step One: Mix together all ingredients. It will be slightly easier for the ingredients to bind together if the beans and quinoa are still warm. Be sure to add the vital wheat gluten last, adjusting amounts to be sure patties hold together but are not too tough.
Step Two: Adjust seasonings to taste. We sometimes add other herbs or veggies, like finely minced carrots or fresh garlic. Don’t be afraid to improvise, ok?
Step Three: Form 3” patties with lightly oiled hands and place on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment, lightly oiled or sprayed with non-stick spray.
Step Four: Bake 375 for 30 minutes turning after 15 minutes. To store, place on a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper separating layers so they are easy to use to assemble at party time.
Makes about 30-35 patties.
Happy eating!