This Burger is NUTS!

This Burger is Nuts! (page 82 of The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet) Photo by Kate Lewis

Nuts are pretty awesome, aren't they? I mean, sure, you can snack on them, or even throw them on top of a salad. But, I wanted to share how nuts could be used as the star of the meal...not as an afterthought.

This Burger is NUTS!
Nuts and seeds: Cashews, Pecans, Walnuts, and Sunflower Seeds
For a gluten-free version: Swap the vital wheat gluten with 1/2 cup (40 g) finely ground gluten-free quick cooking oats.

Protein packed and full of earthy nutt-y flavor, this burger stands up well to many types of cuisine, so feel free to dress it up as you wish, or in other words…go nuts!

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus more for frying (optional)
8 ounces (227 g) mushrooms, sliced or chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable broth
1 cup (100 g) prepared brown rice
1/4 cup (28 g) cashews, chopped
1/4 cup (32 g) sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (27 g) pecans, chopped
1/4 cup (30 g) walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup (30 g) nutritional yeast
1/2 cup (72 g) vital wheat gluten flour
1 tablespoon (8 g) ground mustard
1 tablespoon (8 g) onion powder
1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
Salt and pepper to taste

In a heavy-bottom skillet, heat the oil and sauté the mushrooms and garlic for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the rice, nuts, and seeds. Mix well, cover, and remove from the heat. Let sit for 10 minutes.

When cool enough to handle, add the nutritional yeast, gluten flour, ground mustard, onion powder, and liquid smoke (if using.) Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well using your hands. Place in the fridge to cool for about 20 minutes. This will help the dough stiffen up a bit. Form into 4 to 8 patties, depending on preference.

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment, or a reusable silicon baking mat. Arrange patties on the mat, and bake for 25 minutes. Flip and bake an additional 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can pan fry these burgers in a bit of oil for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crispy and golden.

Yield: 4 (1/2 pound, or 227g) patties or 8 (1/4 pound, or 114 g) patties