Yesterday, I came home to a package from FedEx. Always excited to get packages, I hurriedly ripped it open. Inside? The advance copy of
The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet
(formerly known as Just the Burgers: 101 Ho'made Veggie Burgers) and, man, it is so darned cute I can hardly stand it. Ignore the picture on Amazon, because there is a brand spankin new cover:
Also, this book is full of vibrant full color photos taken by the amazing and talented (not to mention all around kick ass vegan and close friend)
Celine Steen.
And, since I am still trying to follow the ETL plan at least 80% of the time, here is a burger that (other than the added salt) follows the guidelines:
Jamaican Jerk Burger (just wait until you see Celine's picture in the book!)
Spicy, spicy, spicy! Yet, strangely sweet. Traditional "Jerk" needs Scotch Bonnet peppers. These are a bit hard to find, and EXTREMELY HOT! If you cannot find, or do not want to find , Scotch Bonnets, you can reduce the heat a tad by using habaneros, or even more by using jalapenos. But, even with jalapenos, these will be spicy. This Jerk Sauce can also be used to rub onto tofu or tempeh before baking or grilling.
Serving Suggestion
Serve on a soft bun with a schmear of mayo, topped with a grilled pineapple (or baked with the pineapple on top) and topped with Pineapple Orange Pomegranate Relish. (Recipe Below.)
For Jerk Sauce
Ingredients
2 bunches (5 ounces, or 140 g) scallions, whites and light green parts only
1/4 cup (32 g) ground allspice
1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple juice (from the can; see below)
8 cloves garlic
6 to 8 Scotch bonnet chiles, seeded and cored
1 tablespoon (8 g) ground thyme
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Burgers
Ingredients
24 oz (680 g) seitan, roughly chopped
1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
1 recipe jerk sauce (above)
8 pineapple rings, reserving the juice if using canned
To make the jerk sauce: Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until a paste forms. Transfer to a large bowl.
To make the burgers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
In a food processor, combine the seitan and onion and process until crumbly.
Add to the jerk sauce paste and knead to combine.
Form into 8 patties and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Place a pineapple ring on top of each patty before baking, if desired.
Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes, until firm and browned.
Yield: 2 cups (470 ml) sauce, 8 burgers
Pineapple Orange Pomegranate Relish
Not ETL approved, but very tasty! This relish adds a tropical touch to anything you top it with.
Ingredients (makes about 3 cups)
1 cup (235 ml) pineapple juice
1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
1 cup (181 g) crushed pineapple
1 cup (135 g) pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup (50 g) green onions, finely chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Bring pineapple juice, orange juice, olive oil and crushed pineapple to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and simmer for 2o minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in pomegranate seeds, green onions and add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
