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Quinoa, black bean & walnut veggie burger

Cut back on or eliminate your meat intake by subbing in homemade vegetable burgers for beef burgers. While there are more and more store-bought plant-based burger options appearing, the best veggie burger is the one you make at home. That way you can limit the sodium content, control the ingredients and avoid artificial flavorings. Here's a satiating recipe for protein-rich quinoa burgers with black beans and walnuts.

Serves 4

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1 tbsp tamari
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup (25 g) walnuts
• 1 cup (170 g) cooked black beans
• 3/4 cup (140 g) cooked quinoa
• Salt, pepper
• Whole-grain hamburger buns
• Optional, for topping: mashed avocado, sprouts, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, condiments

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), and place a metal baking pan inside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent.
3. Add the seasonings, toss to coat and cook for 30 seconds longer. Add the tamari, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, walnuts, 1/2 of the black beans and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir well to combine and cook for 3-5 minutes more. 
4. Remove the pan from heat, and let the contents cool down a bit before transferring to a food processor. Add the beaten egg and pulse until the mixture is well combined but not completely smooth. You want it to have a slightly chunky texture.
5. Transfer the preparation to a bowl, and add the rest of the black beans with 1/2 cup (90 g) of the cooked quinoa. Stir until well combined, then divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll the portions into balls.
6. Add the remaining cooked quinoa to a plate, and roll each ball over it until coated. Press each ball into a patty shape. Transfer the patties to a plate lined with parchment paper, and let chill in the fridge for 20 min.
7. Transfer the parchment paper with the patties to the preheated baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15 min. Flip the patties and bake for 15 min. more until they take on a firmer, crispy texture. 
8. Let cool slightly before serving on hamburger buns with your choice of toppings.

Enjoy!