Veggie burgers have become increasingly popular among vegetarians and vegans, but also meat-eaters looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Roasted butternut squash-quinoa veggie burgers are a healthy and delicious option for anyone looking to switch up their burger game.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making roasted butternut squash-quinoa veggie burgers, from preparing the ingredients to assembling the burger.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Olive oil, for roasting
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the butternut squash
Preheat your oven to 400┬░F. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender. Let the squash cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the veggie burger mixture
In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until they are broken down, but still chunky. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, and pulse until the mixture is well combined. Add the butternut squash flesh, cooked quinoa, and breadcrumbs to the food processor and pulse until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Form the veggie burgers
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands to form the veggie burger mixture into 6 patties, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape when cooking.
Step 4: Cook the veggie burgers
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the veggie burgers and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are crispy and golden brown. You can also grill the burgers if you prefer.
Step 5: Assemble the burgers
Serve the veggie burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and condiments like mustard or ketchup.
Tips for Perfect Veggie Burgers
- Use a food processor to pulse the ingredients together, but be careful not to over-process the mixture, or it will become mushy.
- Don’t skip the step of chilling the patties before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
- Use a non-stick skillet or grill pan to cook the veggie burgers, as they can stick to regular pans.
- Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of your veggie burgers.
Final Thoughts
Roasted butternut squash-quinoa veggie burgers are a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying meal option. By following these easy steps, you can make restaurant-quality veggie burgers at home. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
