Delicious and Healthy Vegetarian Burgers for All
Welcome to my kitchen, where I specialize in Southern-style cuisine. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Southern-Style Veggie Burgers. Trust me; these burgers will become your go-to when you’re craving a juicy burger without the meat.
As a Southern chef, I believe that food should evoke feelings and memories of home-cooked meals from your childhood. Nothing does that quite like a good burger, and our Southern-Style Veggie Burgers hit the spot every time!
Not only do these burgers taste like meat, but they also stick together beautifully without any excessive use of additives. Our main ingredients are black-eyed peas, egg, bread crumbs, and an assortment of vegetables like celery, green onions, red sweet pepper, and garlic that truly make these burgers shine.
These protein-packed homemade veggie burgers are satisfying enough for carnivores and vegans alike! So no matter who you’re serving, be sure to put these on the menu. Trust me; everyone will love them!
So without further ado, let’s jump right into it and learn how to make these delicious Southern-Style Veggie Burgers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks! This Southern-Style Veggie Burgers recipe is the real deal. If you’re looking for a tasty, protein-packed meal to sink your teeth into but don’t want any beef or chicken, look no further than these veggie burgers. Trust me; you’re going to love them!
First of all, let’s talk about taste. These burgers stick together like any good burger should and have a mouth-watering combination of flavors. The black-eyed peas give them that Southern touch while the celery, green onions, and red pepper bring a fresh crunch. The homemade veggie burger patty tastes like meat without any actual meat, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.
But this recipe isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s also incredibly easy to make. With simple recipe ingredients like bread crumbs and egg, these veggie burgers are a cinch to whip up in your own kitchen. Plus, the recipe is customizable so you can add in your favorite veggies or swap out the black-eyed peas for black beans if you prefer.
Now, let’s talk about nutrition. These burgers are packed with plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants to reduce their meat intake. Plus, they are air fryer friendly and lower in fat compared to a fried chicken fillet or beef burger. So, if you’re looking for a healthier way of indulging in a burger craving, this is it.
Last but not least, this recipe pairs perfectly with other Southern-style dishes like fries and coleslaw. You can even make mini sliders out of these patties for an exciting appetizer or party dish that will have people coming back for seconds.
Overall, there are plenty of good reasons why you’re going to love this Southern-Style Veggie Burgers recipe. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste preferences, packed with plant-based protein as a healthier alternative, and mouth-watering delicious. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on this recipe and try it out for yourself!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create these southern-style veggie burgers that taste so much like meat, you won’t even know the difference!
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red sweet pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Binding Agent:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Cooking Staples:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Toppings:
- Lettuce leaves
- Comeback sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Thinly sliced red onion
I recommend using fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get right down to it! Here are the instructions for making your own Southern-Style Veggie Burgers from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of black-eyed peas
- 1 can of black beans
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 red sweet pepper
- 2 stalks of green celery, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Steps:
Step 1:
First things first, you need to prepare your vegetables. Rinse your black-eyed peas and drain black beans and put them in a large bowl. Cut your red sweet pepper into small pieces, then also add them into the bowl. Then, add in your chopped celery and green onion into the vegetable mixture.
Step 2:
Crack one egg into the bowl with other ingredients. Add in half a cup of plain bread crumbs. Mix all of these ingredients together evenly.
Step 3:
Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot enough, add the minced garlic and cook for about half a minute or until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4:
Now you can mix your vegetable mixture with the garlic-infused olive oil, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
Transfer this mixture to a food processor and pulse until it is coarsely ground. This step is crucial since it ensures that the burgers stick together.
Step 6:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while shaping the veggie mixture into patties. You should be able to make around eight patties out of the mixture.
Step 7:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the veggie patties in the tray, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on both sides.
Viola! The burgers are ready to serve.
Tip: Serve your veggie burgers on top of a lettuce leaf with some comeback sauce and mayonnaise spread. Alternatively, add slices of your favorite cheese and freshly sliced tomato to make it more filling. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up, folks! Don’t let the absence of a few ingredients discourage you from making these delicious southern-style veggie burgers. Fortunately, I’ve got a few substitutions and variations that’ll keep your homemade burgers tasting fantastic.
Firstly, if you don’t have black-eyed peas*, try substituting with black beans instead. They would still provide a protein-packed punch, alongside the celery, green onions and garlic salt.
If you’re looking for a vegan burger, you may replace the egg* in this recipe with 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp warm water). It will work perfectly well to help your burgers stick together.
Another twist is to add some red tomato and shredded lettuce leaf* to your veggie sliders for some freshness and crunch. Or try a California-style burger with sliced avocado and a sprout mix!
For those who prefer meat alternatives, consider swapping out the plant-based option for chicken or beef burgers*. Try it with an air fryer or add some pumpkin seeds for some unique texture.
Finally, don’t forget to experiment with condiments such as comeback sauce and various types of hot sauce –- it could be your next best discovery!
By experimenting with different ingredients and taking advantage of the infinite variations that our imagination allows us, we can create new flavors while sticking to this classic southern-style veggie burger recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the best part of any recipe… the serving! Here’s where we put our taste buds to work. First off, let me start by saying that these Southern-Style Veggie Burgers are extremely versatile when it comes to serving and pairing.
For starters, when it comes to how you actually present these bad boys, there are a few ways you can go about it. You can choose to serve it up in a traditional burger format and place it on a freshly baked bun with a lettuce leaf, sliced tomatoes, and onions. Or you can spice things up and serve them up slider style on mini buns or between two crispy pieces of lettuce for some added crunch.
As for toppings, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and make sure to load up on your favorite sauces, including mayonnaise or comeback sauce. For something with a bit of zing, try adding fresh jalapeños pickled in vinegar. And while we’re at it, why not toss on some crispy bacon bits – you know what they say, bacon makes everything better!
When it comes to pairings, my go-to is always some type of salty side dish like french fries or potato wedges. For a healthier alternative, try roasted pumpkin seeds or air fryer chicken instead of the traditional breaded option. I also love to pair this veggie burger with a nice cold beer or an old-fashioned milkshake for an extra decadent experience.
So go ahead and get creative! These Southern-Style Veggie Burgers are so versatile that you’ll never tire of serving them up in different and delicious ways.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making southern-style veggie burgers in advance is a convenient way to have a healthy meal within reach at all times. You can prepare the patties up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator. This will give the flavors ample time to meld together and make the burgers even tastier.
When it comes to reheating, here are a few means of doing it effectively:
1. Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before placing the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Reheat the burgers for about 18 to 20 minutes or until they are hot all through.
2. Heat on stovetop: plce a frying pan over medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil, and reheat one patty at a time until heated through; this takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Microwave method: The fastest method, place one patty onto a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 45 seconds at full power until they are heated through.
However, no matter which method you select, ensure that the internal temperature of reheated burgers is at least 165°F (73°C). In addition, ensure that you have stored leftover patties safely by keeping them in an air-tight container for not more than 3-4 days.
These veggie burger patties can also be frozen for up to three months prior usage in instances when you are looking for some ready-to-go meals. When storing them longer than two days, wrap each paddy individually either using plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then transfer them into freezer bags with all edges sealed tightly.
By using these tips on storing and reheating your homemade veggie burgers, you can enjoy southern taste even faster and with less effort – anytime you desire them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Want to make sure your southern-style veggie burgers turn out perfectly? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
First, make sure you’re using enough binder to help the burgers stick together. I recommend using a combination of breadcrumbs and egg to create the perfect balance.
If you find that your burgers are still falling apart, try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping and cooking. This can help the burger mixture firm up and hold together better.
When cooking your veggie burgers, be patient and avoid flipping them too early. Let them cook on one side for several minutes before carefully flipping them over. This will give them time to develop a nice crust on the outside and help them hold together better.
For an extra flavor boost, try toasting your buns lightly in olive oil or butter, and don’t skimp on the sauce! A dollop of homemade Comeback Sauce (made with mayonnaise, green onions, garlic salt, and other flavorful ingredients) can take your burgers to the next level.
Lastly, keep in mind that southern-style cuisine is all about bold flavors and homestyle cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings until you find the perfect combination. Whether you’re enjoying these burgers on their own or as part of a larger meal, they’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ
As we near the end of this southern-style veggie burger recipe article, you may have some lingering questions on your mind. Don’t worry though because I am here to provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions that may come up when making this recipe. So let’s dive right into it and address any concerns you may have.
What is a good binder for veggie burgers?
When making burgers, you need something that will hold them together. Eggs are usually used for this purpose as they work well. However, if you’re looking for a vegan option or simply don’t want to use eggs, there are other effective binders you can use. These include dry ingredients such as wheat germ, bread crumbs, oats, and ground flaxseeds. Sometimes, other ingredients in the recipe provide enough moisture to make a good binder.
How do you keep veggie burgers stick together?
If you’re looking to make veggie burgers without using eggs, you can add flour or oats to the mixture to help everything bind together. To make sure the patties stick together well, make sure to mash everything together thoroughly. It’s important to avoid pureeing the mixture too much as it can affect the texture of the final product.
How do you make veggie burgers taste better?
When it comes to creating the perfect barbecue burger, slicing up some onions, and maybe adding some thinly sliced beets can go a long way. The onions not only add moisture to the burger but also provide extra steam and flavour during cooking. For those who aren’t fans of onions, thinly sliced mushrooms can suffice. Additionally, don’t forget to include some garlic powder and a good quality barbecue sauce to achieve that authentic barbecue taste.
What makes veggie burgers taste like meat?
An essential protein known as hemoglobin which exists in all living organisms has been a part of our diet since the beginning of human existence. It is responsible for granting Impossible Burgers their meat-like flavor and also contributes to their succulent and slightly pink center.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Southern-Style Veggie Burgers recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. With protein-packed black-eyed peas, crunchy celery, and savory green onions, these homemade veggie burgers are easy to make and taste just like meat. Plus, with the addition of red sweet pepper and bread crumbs, these burgers stick together perfectly for a satisfying burger experience.
Whether you’re a vegan, plant-based eater or just looking to switch things up in your meal routine, this recipe is sure to please. And with so many variations and substitutions available, you can customize these veggie burgers to your liking – try adding some California-style toppings like green tomato and lettuce leaf or pairing them with a delicious homemade comeback sauce.
Overall, I highly recommend trying out this Southern-Style Veggie Burgers recipe. Not only is it a healthier option than traditional beef burgers, but it’s also bursting with flavor and easy to customize. So fire up the grill or heat up your air fryer and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and body) will thank you!
Southern-Style Veggie Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 -32 ounces canned black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red sweet pepper
- 1/4 cup dry bread, crumbs fine ground
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 12 soft dinner rolls, split and toasted
- lettuce leaf
Instructions
- In large bowl mash black-eyed peas with a potato masher. Add egg, sweet pepper, bread crumbs, celery, green onions, and garlic salt; mix well. Shape bean mixture into twelve 1/2"-inch thick patties about 3"-inches in diameter.
- In large skillet heat 1 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add half of the patties to the hot oil. Cook 8 minutes or until lightly browned and heated through, turning once. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and patties.
- In small bowl stir together mayonnaise and Cajun seasoning. Spread cut side of each roll with the mayonnaise mixture. Place a burger on bottom half of each roll; top with lettuce and add roll top.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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