Tag: veggie burgers

Try This---5 Unapologetically Vegetarian Burgers for Your Meatless Monday

Try This—5 Unapologetically Vegetarian Burgers for Your Meatless Monday

Before I became a vegetarian, I used to head over to the East Village to a place called Paul’s Palace  down on 2nd Ave & St Mark’s Pl. I’m probably giving away my age, but this was at a time when the East Village was sprinkled with drug addicts and punk rockers, not a hipster in sight. Anyway, this was THE burger spot. This place served up any topping you could think of, all on top of a 1/2 pound burger. That was many moons ago. In fact, it’s rapidly approaching 25 years worth of moons ago. I only mention Paul’s Palace (I think it goes by Paul’s Da Burger Joint now) because over the years, it’s kinda sculpted the way I build veggie burgers. Because of Paul’s, there is no such thing as too many toppings… no such thing as a savory sauce that doesn’t belong. I’m talking so many toppings, you might have to eat this burger with a knife and fork. I still think y’all might be sleeping on me and my veggie burger craft. You hear me? I’ve even put grilled fruit on a veggie burger. What?! I know you hear me now!

Anyway, I rounded up some pretty unique veggie burger recipes for you. Some of these recipes will work even if you use store bought veggie burger patties. I kinda feel like the toppings make the burger anyway so you should still check these out. If you’re more adventurous, you should totally make the burgers from scratch. It’s so worth it. Just remember that veggie burgers are rarely the same consistency as meat burgers, so don’t feel bad if your homemade patties fall apart a bit. It’s the taste that matters and these are sure to please. You must try these!!!

1. Meatloaf Veggie Burger with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

This is a meat and potatoes kinda burger. Comfort food fa realz. And fried sage leaves! Are you kidding me?!

2. Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers with Avocado Sriracha Aioli

You already know how I love me some sriracha. This burger does not disappoint!

3. Veggie Sliders with Blackberry BBQ Sauce

This is a recipe from Lightlife, using their Lightlife Original Smart Patties. Of course, for me, it’s all about the sauce.

4. Quinoa Veggie Burger with Roasted Red Pepper Relish

Roasted red pepper relish?! Seriously, I don’t even need to convince you to try this one.

5. Tabasco Double Bean Veggie Burger

This is a fresh and spicy take on your run of the mill black bean burger. Take my word for it, you want to use fresh corn for this one!

I am always on the hunt for new and inventive veggie burgers! Do you guys have any suggestions? I’m all about those toppings yo!

Veggie Burgers for Beginners

I don’t mean to brag, but I really do make some pretty awesome veggie burgers. I haven’t reached the stage where I can make the actual patty from scratch, but when it comes to dressing up a store bought veggie burger, I’m an ace. I haven’t eaten meat in 23 years so I’ve had ample time to scour through the different brands of veggie burgers and to perfect the art of building the ultimate veggie burger. Here’s a three step approach to get you started:

1. When deciding on which brand of veggie burger to choose, you have to ask yourself whether or not your in the mood for a heavier ‘meaty’ consistency, or if you want something a little lighter. I’ve narrowed it down to two go to brands. Boca burgers are on the ‘meaty’ side of the spectrum. I tend to refer my meat eater friends or my semi-vegetarian friends to Boca brand burgers because of that ‘meaty’ consistency. The Gardenburger brand, especially their Malibu Burger line (available at club stores like Costco), is generally a lighter consistency and a great choice for the not-so-novice vegetarian. Both brands are pretty delicious in their own right so you just have to pick the one that suits your consistency craving and prepare it according to the package.

Fresh Rolls

2. After you have the veggie burger brand of your choice, you’ll want to pick the right bread. The bread you choose can make or break your veggie burger. I personally like to use Brioche hamburger rolls because they’re not as soft as regular hamburger buns, yet not as firm as ciabatta rolls. The idea is that you want the bread to be firm enough to hold the veggie burger with all the fixin’s without crushing it and making a big mess.
Red Onion and Rolls

3. Just like with a regular hamburger, you can add any number of toppings and condiments to suit your taste. My favorite combination is a veggie burger topped with melted cheese and red onions (sauteed in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce) on a bed of lettuce. Crazy good!
Veggie Burger

What are some of your favorite burger toppers?

***If you’re not ready to take the veggie burger plunge yet, you should check out this post  from a fellow blogger on turkey burgers as an alternative to red meat.