Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Burgers

Finally, a veggie burger that stays together and is delicious beyond words!!  I was so excited to try this burger since most of the ingredients were compatible with yeast free living.  This recipe comes from Jessica Merchant’s How Sweet Eats blog.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Burgers:  Yield 4 to 6 people; Prep Time: 1 hr.; Cook Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 16 ounces broccoli florets, chopped
• 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped unsalted cashews (I used organic cashews.)
• 1 tablespoon old fashioned oats (You can use gluten-free oats.)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I used Vegenaise.)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (You can leave this out, if you wish.)
• 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (I used Violife Cheddar, 100% Vegan, Shreds)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• sliced sharp cheddar or your favorite cheese for serving (I didn't do this, but Violife makes Cheddar Vegan Slices, too.)
• 4 to 6 buns for serving  (I did not use buns.)

Chipotle Honey Mayo

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise  (I used Vegenaise.)
• 2 teaspoons honey  (I splurged and used the honey.)
• *1 chipotle pepper  
• *1 teaspoon adobo sauce

*I bought La Costena Chipotles, in Adobo Sauce.  I only used a teaspoon or so of the sauce.  The peppers were too hot for me!!)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.  Spread the beans on one sheet in a single layer.  Spread the chopped broccoli on the other sheet in a single layer.  Sprinkle the broccoli with salt and pepper.  Roast the beans and broccoli for 12 to 15 minutes, until the beans split open and the broccoli cooks a bit.
• While the beans and broccoli are roasting, heat a skillet over medium low heat.  Add the olive oil, diced onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• At this time, you can also pulse the cashews and oats in your food processor until they are finely chopped.  Don't wash the food processor because we will be using it again!
• In a large bowl, stir together the mayo, egg yolk, smoked paprika and honey.  Stir in the sauteed onion mixture, quinoa, the beans and the broccoli.  Add in the oats and the cashews.  Use a potato masher or fork to smash the mixture together until it is somewhat combined.  Take 1/3 of the mixture and place it back in the food processor.  Pulse it a few times until it's all very finely chopped and combined, then transfer it back to the large bowl.  Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.  Mix everything together (I suggest using your hands--it will be sticky!) until combined.
• Form the mixture into patties or burgers--whatever the size of your bun!  You can go with 4 or 6 patties-or even smaller for slider size.  You can stick the patties in the fridge until it's time to use them, meaning that you can make them ahead of time.  You don't have to refrigerate them before cooking, but sometimes I find that refrigerating them for 20 minutes can be helpful.
• When you're ready to cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add a high heat oil--like canola, grapeseed or coconut.  Once the oil is hot, add the patties and cook them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side.  Be gentle when flipping to ensure they don't fall apart!  A minute or so before removing them from the skillet, add a slice of cheddar on top so it melts.
• Serve on buns with the spicy mayo and tomato.
• As a note, these cannot be grilled on an outdoor grill (like most homemade veggie burgers can't!) - they will fall apart.  You can, however, place a cast iron skillet on the grill and cook them outdoors that way.

Chipotle Honey Mayo

• Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until combined.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Burgers

These burgers are out-of-this world!  Keep in mind that they will take an hour to make.  Make the quinoa first and let it cool.  I also left the patties in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before I cooked them.  Be sure to cook them the recommended time of 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to have that blackened look.  It really adds to the flavor.  I also used two spatulas when I flipped the burgers to ensure they did not break apart.  Paired with the Chipotle Honey Mayo...well, they are divine!!  I served the broccoli cheddar burgers with some delicious red tomatoes on the side.  I really hope you will try these burgers!  Enjoy!