Veggie Burgers

"It is the Americans who have managed to crown minced beef as hamburger, and to send it round the world so that even the fussy French have taken to le boeuf hache, le hambourgaire." ~ Julia Child

I wish I could say everyone loves burgers, as most do.  My husband loves them.  My sisters, mom, dad, brother-in-law, friends, you name it all love burgers.  I do not like hamburgers.  The only burger that has ever rocked my palate was from Blanc Burgers in Leawood, Kansas.  And, it has to be the lobster burger from the Blanc in Leawood.  I've tried the Blanc Burgers on the Country Club Plaza and it wasn't the same.  Nope, not even close.  My sister tried the Blanc Burgers in Omaha after talking up our dining experience in Leawood and was very disappointed.  It has to be Blanc Burgers in Leawood if we are to ever recreate that special burger experience again.  Otherwise, I am not a burger person.  I don't know what it is.  It doesn't get me excited.  A veggie burger if gluten-free, however, will get me somewhat excited.  Especially this little gem I made last night...

I topped the burger with colby-jack cheese, spinach, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and gluten-free BBQ sauce served between a gluten-free bun (Shar brand). The recipe is really simple.



Veggie Burgers

2 cans chickpeas

1/2 cup broccoli florets

1/2 cup chopped carrots

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons ground flax seed

1 tablespoon water



Add the chickpeas, broccoli, carrots, red onion, and spices to a food processor and roughly chop. Add the flaxseed and water and mix until the chickpeas become a rough paste.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and swirl the olive oil. With your hands, scoop the chickpea mixture and flatten the mixture in your hands to form your patties. Add the patties, one or two at a time depending on the size of your skillet and cook for 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Flip the patty or patties and cook for another 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Top with any regular burger toppings and enjoy!

The Bear thought these burgers were okay, but I know he is very carnivorous. I have so many ideas for other burgers such as a Greek burger, Southwestern burger, the possibilities are endless. What would you maybe try?