The vegan burger is gaining popularity as a tasty and sustainable alternative to meat. This quick and easy recipe offers a delicious option for those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products or simply try something new. With simple ingredients like legumes, vegetables, and grains, you can create a burger rich in flavor and nutrients.
This guide provides detailed instructions on how to prepare homemade vegan burgers. It explains how to choose the right ingredients, create the perfect mixture, cook the burgers to perfection, and present them appetizingly. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is suitable for everyone and allows for customization based on personal tastes.
Necessary Ingredients
Ingredient List
To prepare a delicious vegan burger, you need simple yet nutritious ingredients. Here’s a basic list:
• 250g cooked chickpeas
• 1 medium carrot
• 1/2 onion
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 garlic clove
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the presentation:
• 4 burger buns
• Green salad
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Pickles
• Guacamole sauce
• Vegan mayonnaise as desired
These ingredients form a solid base for the vegan burger. The chickpeas provide protein and texture, while the vegetables add flavor and nutrients. The breadcrumbs and chickpea flour help bind the mixture.
For variety, you can replace the chickpeas with other legumes like lentils or beans. Quinoa, tofu, or seitan are also great alternatives to create vegan burgers that are rich in protein. The vegetables can be adjusted to personal preferences, using zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
Preparation Difficulty
The preparation of vegan burgers is very easy. The process is simple and suitable even for those with little kitchen experience. Here are some key points:
• Prep time: about 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Cost: low
The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for those who want to experiment with vegan cooking without complications. No advanced culinary techniques or special equipment are needed. All you need is a blender or food processor to mix the ingredients and a pan or grill for cooking.
The versatility is another advantage of this recipe. Vegan burgers can be prepared in advance and frozen, making it easy to have a ready and healthy meal on hand at any time.
Preparation of the Mixture
Preparing the mixture for the vegan burger is a crucial step to achieve the right consistency and flavor. Let’s start with mixing the ingredients.
Mixing the Ingredients
To create the perfect mixture, start by preparing the legumes. Chickpeas, lentils, or beans should be cooked until soft, but not overcooked. Once ready, drain and dry them thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
Next, coarsely chop the legumes. It’s important not to puree them but to maintain some texture to give the burger a good bite. You can use an immersion blender or food processor for this step.
Then add the chopped vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and celery, which have been sautéed in a pan. These vegetables provide flavor and moisture to the mixture. For an extra pop of color and flavor, you can also add grated beetroot.
To bind the mixture, use ingredients like oats or quinoa. These grains help absorb moisture and provide structure to the burger. Also, add spices like paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt to enhance the flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Consistency
To achieve the ideal consistency, it’s essential to balance the wet and dry ingredients. If the mixture is too wet, you can add breadcrumbs or chickpea flour to absorb the excess moisture.
A trick to improve the texture is to add coarsely chopped nuts. These give a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the vegan burger. Alternatively, you can use sunflower seeds.
Once all the ingredients are mixed, it’s important to let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
To shape the burgers, it’s recommended to slightly moisten your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. You can use a kitchen ring to form uniformly sized burgers with a perfect shape.
Finally, before cooking, it’s advisable to let the burgers rest again in the fridge for another 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking and results in a firmer and tastier burger.
Cooking the Burgers
Cooking vegan burgers is a crucial step to achieve a tasty and appetizing result. There are several cooking methods to choose from, each with its advantages.
Cooking Methods
The pan is one of the most common and versatile methods for cooking vegan burgers. Start by heating a non-stick pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the burgers and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until a golden and crispy crust forms.
The oven is a great alternative for a lighter cooking method. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
For those seeking a more intense flavor, the grill or grill pan is ideal. Preheat the cooking surface and cook the vegan burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping them gently with a spatula when grill marks form.
Recommended Cooking Times
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the chosen method and the thickness of the burgers. In general, for pan cooking, 8-10 minutes total is recommended, 4-5 minutes per side.
For oven cooking, the ideal time is around 20 minutes at 180°C, flipping the burgers halfway through. For a crispier surface, you can brush some oil on the burgers before baking.
On the grill or grill pan, 6-8 minutes total is enough, 3-4 minutes per side. It’s important not to overcook the vegan burgers to avoid them becoming too dry.
To check if they’re done, ensure the exterior is golden and crispy while the inside remains warm and soft. If necessary, add one or two more minutes of cooking, but be careful not to overcook to keep the burger juicy.
Regardless of the chosen method, make sure the cooking surface is well-heated before starting. This helps to create a crust that locks in the flavors, keeping the vegan burger juicy and tasty.
Presentation and Serving
The presentation of the vegan burger is essential to make it look appetizing and inviting. With a few tricks, you can turn this dish into a complete culinary experience.
Plating Ideas
For an appealing presentation, start with a soft bun cut in half. On the base of the bun, place a bed of fresh lettuce for crunch. The vegan burger, which can be made from chickpeas, beans, lentils, or quinoa, should be placed in the center. Add a slice of ripe tomato and some rings of red onion for a touch of color and flavor.
For a more gourmet dish, you can add ingredients like marinated radicchio or caramelized pumpkin. These elements not only enhance the flavor but also create an interesting contrast with the delicacy of the vegan burger.
A final touch can be given by sprinkling some sprouts or fresh herbs on the plate. This not only improves the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor to the dish.
Side Dishes and Sauce Suggestions
Side dishes play a crucial role in completing the vegan burger. French fries are a classic, but for a lighter option, you can prepare baked fries. Other alternatives include coleslaw or grilled seasonal vegetables.
As for sauces, the possibilities are endless. Vegan mayonnaise is a popular choice and easy to make at home. Other options include:
• Guacamole: perfect for adding creaminess and a hint of exotic flavor.
• Curry sauce: ideal for those who love spicy flavors.
• Homemade ketchup: an artisanal version can elevate the burger’s taste.
• Vegan yogurt sauce: fresh and light, it pairs well with legume-based burgers.
For an original touch, you can try a sesame sauce or a zucchini cream. These sauces not only add flavor but also help keep the vegan burger moist and juicy.
FAQs
- What ingredients are recommended to enhance veggie burgers? Answer: For veggie burgers, it’s recommended to use tahini sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, and salt. These ingredients pair well with rich salads like arugula and kale or can be used as a dip for veggie rolls.
- What components are typically found in a vegan burger? Answer: A vegan burger is generally made from tofu, curry, salt, pepper, and vegetables like carrots and scallions, often enriched with a bit of vegan whole-wheat breadcrumbs. Other variations may include quinoa or chickpeas.
- How can you achieve a denser texture in veggie burgers? Answer: To thicken veggie burger mixtures, boiled and mashed potatoes are ideal. Thanks to their starch content and ability to absorb water, potatoes provide a soft yet firm texture without drying out the burger.
- What are some of the best plant-based burgers on the market? Answer: Among the best vegan burgers of 2021, according to consumers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, are the Classic Plant-Based Burgers from Unconventional (Italy), the Beyond Burger from Beyond Meat (USA), the Tomato Plant-Based Burgers from Unconventional (Italy), the Next Level Burger from Next Level Meat (Germany), and Heura Burgers (Spain).
