Grilled Veggie Burgers

These grilled veggie burgers are crafted with wholesome ingredients like cooked pinto beans, crunchy carrots, red onions, aromatic garlic, and a blend of seasonings. Paired with the char of the grill, these burgers will impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The pinto beans are a great source of protein, and all the veggies are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. By being plant-based, these burgers are also low in saturated fats.

Ingredients You'll Need for this Recipe

For the burgers:

• 10 ounces cooked pinto beans or red beans
• Up to 1 cup of breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 carrot
• ½ red onion 
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For serving:

• Burger buns, toasted if desired
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced cheese
• Lettuce leaves
• Sauces: ketchup, mayo, mustard, barbecue, sriracha, etc.

How to Make Grilled Veggie Burgers

Prep the veggies:

1. Peel and slice the red onion as thin as possible.
2. Peel and grate the carrot.
3. Peel and mince the garlic clove.
4. Chop the parsley as finely as possible.

Form the veggie burgers:

1. Mash the cooked beans in a bowl with a potato masher or a fork.
2. Add the red onion, carrot, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley and mix well. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit of breadcrumbs until it feels firm enough.
3. For the burger patties and set them aside on a platter.

Cook and assemble the burgers:

1. Heat some olive oil on a grill pan at medium-low heat.
2. Cook each patty for about 5 minutes on each side.
3. Serve with toasted burger buns, sliced tomato, lettuce leaves, sliced cheese, and the sauces of your choice.

How to Serve Grilled Veggie Burgers

The classic way to serve burgers is on toasted buns, complete with a slice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of your favorite condiments. You can also add a tangy coleslaw or pickles for that extra crunch. You can also wrap your veggie burger in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun. Be unique by making a burger bowl. Arrange your grilled veggie burger on a bed of leafy greens; add a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced avocados, cucumbers; and drizzle with your favorite dressing.

Tips & Variations for this Dish

For the tastiest grilled veggie burgers, try these tips and variation ideas:

• After forming your patties, chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour to help them hold their shape better during grilling.
• Use a medium to low heat to cook your patties. This prevents the outside from burning before the insides are cooked through.
• Keep the patties moist and prevent them from sticking to the grill by brushing them with a little olive oil before and during grilling.
• Try using red beans, black beans, chickpeas, or lentils instead of pinto beans.
• Add other veggies, such as grated zucchini, sweet potato, or pumpkin.
• Add ½ cup of cooked quinoa for a nice texture and additional protein. 
• Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and skip the bun to keep the recipe gluten free.
• If your mixture is too dry, add a bit of olive oil to it. You can also use an egg, but the patty will no longer be vegan.
• Add fresh herbs of your choice, such as fresh cilantro, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. 

How to Store Leftovers

Store uncooked veggie burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before cooking. After cooking, store leftovers for up to 6 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat them on a grill or stovetop over medium heat until they are warmed through.

More Vegetarian Main Dish Recipes

• Spinach Mushroom Hummus Quesadilla
• Caramelized Onion Brussels Sprout Pizza
• Everything Summer Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad
• Instant Pot Mexican Black Bean Soup

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