Triple-Bean Veggie Burgers

Sometimes it feels like I've been blogging long before blogging was even cool [I haven't, I'm just channeling my inner hipster at the moment].  So why on earth have I waited this long to post a recipe for veggie burgers?!?  Gah!  I'm impossible.  I'm also impossibly in love with these burgers!  See what I did there?  Yeahhhh I'll go sit in the corner now while you prep your kitchen.  You guys seriously need to stop letting me get away with this level of cheesiness ;)

Triple-Bean Veggie Burgers

[makes 8 jumbo veggie burgers -- some to nosh now, and some to freeze for later!]

what's in it?
1 can of black beans [15oz] or whip some up in the crockpot!
1 can of chickpeas [15oz]
1 can of cannellini beans [15oz]
1 red bell pepper, diced [1 cup]
1 medium red or white onion, finely diced [1.5-2 cups]
1 cup celery, finely diced
2 large eggs [or 2-3 flax eggs!]
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of cooked quinoa
1 + 1/2 cups of rolled oats [not instant]
2 Tablespoons ground flax
4 Tablespoons of your favorite healthy oil
1 teaspoon italian seasoning blend [I love this one]
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper, parsley, and red pepper flakes, to taste

inspired by Guy Fieri

Brontosaurus Chefs veganize by subbing 2-3 flax eggs [recipe]
T-Rex Chefs put down the meat + make some damn veggie burgers!  Please?

Note: These burgers set best when they have 30 minutes of chill time in the fridge prior to cooking.  Feel free to prep them the night before!

get cooking!

Drain and rinse beans, then set aside.  Next saute celery, onion, and red pepper in approx 4 Tablespoons of oil with a few cranks of freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle or two of red pepper flakes.  After about 7 minutes or so, add garlic and continue to saute until the veggies are translucent and tender.  Transfer to a large bowl and add the beans, flax, oats, and quinoa.

The oat/quinoa ratio can vary depending on what you have on hand [think of these burgers as a great way to empty your fridge and pantry!].  I try to always have a bowl of cooked quinoa in my fridge so I can make super speedy batches of quinoa fried rice during the week.  If you're new to cooking with quinoa, click here for a few tips, tricks, and cooking instructions.

Add the rest of your ingredients and mix.  Feel free to use a large spoon or potato masher to somewhat smush everything together.  Once incorporated, it will start to look like edible confetti!  You can transfer this mixture to a food processor for a more uniform veggie burger or leave the beans whole for a super chunky veggie burger that will crumble easily on salads and such.  I like them chunky so I've actually never pureed them in any of the batches that I've made.  They whole beans give the burgers a meaty texture that makes me feel like I'm eating a traditional burger.  Only they're healthier... and more flavorful... and yes, just plain awesome this way.

First form the bowl-of-yumminess into balls.  I can't quite say this without making it sound borderline inappropriate, but cup each ball in your hands and squeeze tightly, pressing it into a compact disc.  Think of it as stress-relief!  Form into 8 patties, cover, and refrigerate 30 minutes.  Feel free to prep these overnight for the following day!  I typically make one burger right away and then leave the remainder in the fridge overnight.  The following day I cook up the rest of the burgers and split the batch between the fridge and freezer.  To freeze, simply cook the burgers, allow to cool a bit, and then freeze [spaced] on a plate or cookie sheet.  Once they've had a chance to partially freeze you can pile them in baggies or your favorite airtight container.  Viola!  Fast food without the freaky ingredients. 

Ready to eat?  Pour a teeny bit of oil in a skillet, heat to high, and cook for a few minutes on each side until you're left with a golden crust.  Wrap any burgers that you don't plan on stuffing your face with immediately in foil, saran wrap, or an air tight container and pop in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal.  To re-heat, simply pop on a baking sheet in the oven for about 20 minutes at 400F.

You get bonus points if you serve them up with a pile of veggies

Though I won't fault you for grabbing a bun and going the traditional route =)  

I mean, why do you think I made so many?  I clearly needed to have enough for and even number of burgers and salads!  I'm an equal opportunist eater.  Or the veggie burgers are just THAT good.  [They're that good.  Make them.]

Oh and you should totally use a leftover burger [or two!] to make these yummy 

veggie burger won-ton cups:

Seriously. What are you waiting for? =)