Red Quinoa Black Bean Burgers

 Check it out: Tasty Red Quinoa Black Bean Burger,
with home-grown sprouts on home-baked Thin Buns!

I was jonesing for a veggie burger and lo and behold, the August issue of Vegetarian Times had a recipe for Quinoa Black Bean burgers. This is adapted from that recipe. The recipe called for “Steak Seasoning” which I find somewhat unbearable. I have an all-purpose American seasoning mix that I keep on hand from the cookbook American Vegan Kitchen. I heartily recommend this book especially if you like to simulate the meat eating experience. It’s a perfect cookbook for someone with family members who are not whole-hearted vegans or vegetarians or you’re looking for new recipes for Meatless Mondays. I have included a recipe for “steak” seasoning that will do if you don’t have the American Vegan Kitchen cookbook. Makes about 8 patties.

Red Quinoa Black Bean Burgers
Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1-1/2 cups cooked red quinoa, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. veggie burger seasoning (your favorite or see below for spice mix recipe)
1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed, and divided
1 cup vegetable broth or water
2-4 TB quinoa flakes

Directions
Place onion and sun-dried tomatoes in medium skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until onion is soft. Stir in 3/4 cup quinoa, garlic, seasoning, half the beans, and 1 cup broth. Simmer until most of liquid has evaporated.

Transfer to food processor and process until smooth. Scoop into medium bowl and add rest of beans and quinoa. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired and mix well. If mixture looks a bit loose (and mine did) add 2 TB quinoa flakes, mix in and let sit for a couple of minutes. You're just going to have to use your judgment on this part, you don't want the patties to fall apart or get too heavy. It will firm up a bit more while the mixture cools. If still too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more of the quinoa flakes. Cool in refrigerator.

Preheat over to 400 degrees and spray baking sheet with cooking oil. Form into patties and place on baking sheet. I like to spray the patties with oil too. Bake in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

All-American Veggie Burger Seasoning
Ingredients 
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, ground
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
Mix all together and store in glass container.

Note: As I was putting the finishing touches to this post, I checked the food recalls (see twitter post for 6-28-2011). Earth Fare Spicy Bean Burger was being recalled for salmonella. This is another reason to make it (and grow it if you can) yourself. Less chance of contamination. I’ve been posed the question before: Do you hear of people getting salmonella from home-grown sprouts? No. Those cookies they baked from scratch? No. The sprouts purchased already sprouted and the pre-made cookie dough are far more dangerous to your health than your home made goodies. (Of course, I’m assuming you practice good kitchen hygiene!)