CSA Veggie Burger

It's summer and burgers are popular among carnivores but you don't need to eat meat to enjoy this heavenly patty.  If you've never made a veggie burger before let me tell you something I've learned from experience- you cannot mess this up! I could pretend that I'm creating something miraculous here but seriously, all you need to do is shape some pureed veggies into a round shape that will fit on a bun.  This is the first time I've ever used string beans (if you are like me, you might have though- what in the world am I going to do with all these string beans!!) and zucchini/squash to make a burger but that's what we got so I figured what the heck, I'll give it a shot and see what happens. By the way, that's my approach to trying a lot things :-)  

One more thing before you get started....sorry, but this burger (and most veggie burgers) do not do well on the grill- they just don't stay together. You could put them on a veggie grill tray on the grill or cook them in a pan on the stove.  The natural juices of the veggies & pureed squash will keep this together along with the chilled rice or quinoa- make sure you chill the rice/quinoa before adding it to the burger- otherwise it will not stick as well. Also, make a bunch- they freeze well!

The photo is of my creation but I was so focused on eating it I forgot to take a picture of it on the bun with all the dressings!  So after I ate I remembered and took a photo of a patty before cooking.
This recipe makes 6 burgers.  

What you'll use from your bag:

• Summer Squash (at least 1 cup cut coarsely in chunks)
• String beans (fist full)
• Onion (1/4 of a medium size onion, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, chopped)
• Leeks (1/4 cup chopped-optional, if you have any left from last week)
• Beets (1/2 cup pureed -optional, if you have any left from last week)
• Turnips (1- optional, if you have any left from last week)
• Tomato (to put on top)
• Cucumber (to put on top)

What else you'll need:

• Quinoa or Brown Rice (1/2 cup, cooked & chilled)
• Burger Buns
• Any other dressings you like for your burgers- I like avacado, sprouts, & spicy brown mustard
• Olive Oil  (splash)
• Salt & Pepper to taste

First, Prepare:

• Cook the quinoa or rice and chill it immediately- put it in the freezer to speed it up if you are trying to do this in one shot
• Saute the garlic, onion, and leeks (if using) in a pan with a splash of olive oil- remove & set aside in a medium mixing bowl

Then, puree:

• Puree the squash until it is smooth, put in the bowl with the garlic/onion saute
• Puree the string beans, beets, & turnips (if using)
• Puree the cold rice or quinoa and add to the bowl
• Combine everything together with your hands and form into patties
• Season with salt & pepper if you like

Finally, Cook:

• Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan and add your burgers, cook a few minutes on low/medium heat (if the heat is too high all the little particles of veggies & quinoa will burn.) Be a little gentle when flipping- if then ends fall part, they can easily be formed back together with your spatula :)
• Serve on toasted buns with your cucumber, tomato, and whatever else you are using.
• Enjoy!

Namaste

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