Modified from Wendy Solganik: Healthy Girl's Kitchen
After trying possibly a dozen veggie/bean burger recipes, including the Jeff Novick and Rip Esselstyn versions, these are my favorite (probably because of the potatoes). I like to eat them without a bun, cut into pieces, with a dash of hot sauce or hot-pepper relish, alongside brown rice or corn, or especially cut up in a stir fry. These are a staple that I rely on almost every week; I get a little nervous if some of these are not in my freezer. They microwave fast if you forget to defrost them. They're hearty and satisfying. I usually make three batches at a time, and freeze them in 2-cup Pyrex glass containers, which holds them perfectly.
The following spice mixture is the result of some taste tests, different from the original curry powder version. (If you find a spice combo that you like better, please let me know).
SINGLE RECIPE Makes 12 burgers (3 1/2 to 4" diameter, which fit in 2-cup Pyrex containers)
INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can no salt added kidney beans, drained = 10 oz (drained) = 1.5 cups (drained)
1 15-oz can no salt added garbanzo beans, drained = 10 oz (drained) = 1.5 cups (drained)
1 cup rolled oats, (i.e. "old fashioned oats" or "Quaker Oats;" -This is the binding ingredient, so don't skimp)
1 cup cooked mashed potatoes
2 teaspoons cumin powder (or seeds) (If you have the seeds you can toast them briefly in a dry frying pan to to develop the flavor: optional)
1 teaspoon coriander powder (or seeds)
1.5 teaspoons garam masala
1/8th - 1/4 teaspoons ground red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (most people prefer 1/8th teaspoon).
OPTIONAL: 2 teaspoons of Benson's Table Tasty (a salt-free seasoning similar to "Mrs. Dash" only better, available online).
1/2 cup canned or fresh diced tomatoes.
(parchment paper for broiling)
INSTRUCTIONS:
• With a potato masher, partially mash the kidney beans, transfer to a larger bowl, then partially mash the garbanzo beans, then combine all the mashed beans. (Don't use a food processor which gives the wrong consistency).
• Add all remaining ingredients and stir.
Cut parchment paper to fit a baking pan (or the edges might burn). Form into patties and broil at a High setting for approximately 7 minutes on the first side (or until done), turn them over and broil approximately 4 minutes on the second side (or until done). Watch them like a hawk. They will start to blacken a little, which gives a good texture if not too much. Once you learn how long it takes in your oven, you can use a stopwatch.
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VARIATION ONE on 12-19-14
DOUBLE RECIPE - DOUBLE THE ABOVE QUANTITIES
ALSO: Omit garam marsala, add 1 TBSP chili powder, 1/2 teasp black pepper, and decrease kidney beans from 2 cans to 1 can in this double-recipe. (2 seemed like too many). ADD 1 cup chopped fresh parsley (could use more), 5 large pressed garlic cloves (could use more) 1 can = 1.5 cup of diced tomatoes.
Salt, salt substitute, or neither, as desired.
I realize most readers have never used 'Table Tasty,' my favorite salt substitute, available online. In this recipe I used 4 teaspoons; Comparison taste test shows the Table Tasty is a definite improvement vs. no Table Tasty.
Or use a small amount of salt to taste instead of Table Tasty, or you can omit both.
It's better with parsley, could use more. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder for this Double recipe seems about right to me, maybe could use more (but I like it hot).
VARIATION TWO on 12-25-14
FOR DOUBLE recipe - DOUBLE THE QUANTITIES IN THE SINGLE RECIPE. ALSO, omit garam marsala, add 1 teaspoon curry (in addition to the cumin and coriander). Use 2 cups chopped fresh parsley, 3/4 teasp black pepper. Decrease mashed potatoes to 1.5 cups (from 2 cups in this double recipe).
Comparison test: I divided this double-recipe in half:
To one half, I added 2 teasp garlic powder, 2 TBSP onion flakes, 1 TBSP 'Table Tasty'
To the other half, I added no garlic powder, 4 TBSP onion flakes, 1 TBSP 'Table Tasty'
The second half was a little better, but both are great.
(Note: you can substitute salt for Table Tasty, or use neither, still delicious).
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FYI, on a recommendation I tried Southwest Veggie Burgers
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/southwest-veggie-burgers which use sweet potatoes. To me, the sweet-potato taste and sweetness was too much, and not burger-like. Also, they did not hold together. Like I said, I've tried at least a dozen and I keep coming back to this entry. - Dr. Joe
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