White Bean Burgers

Okay, I have always been intimidated by "veggie burgers" thinking they would be hard to make and gross to eat. But tonight I tried them and they were super easy and delicious- it tasted like a real hamburger somehow.

Anyways here is the recipe (Emeril's), please try it :)

Yield: 4 veggie burgers ( I made 8 small/medium)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 cup finely chopped carrot

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon minced chives

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

1/2 cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence or other Creole Seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Hamburger buns, for serving

Sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce leaves, pickles, avocado, etc., for garnishing, as desired

Condiments for serving, such as ketchup or salsa, mayonnaise, mustard, as desired

Method:

In a nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and saute the onion, bell pepper, celery, carrot, and garlic until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, mash the beans with the back of a fork. Stir in the cooled vegetables, egg mixture, chives, parsley, breadcrumbs, and seasonings and mix well.

Divide the mixture into 4 patties. Wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

When ready to serve, heat the remaining olive oil in a large nonstick skillet and cook the burgers until golden on both sides and heated through, about 2 minutes per side. Serve hot, on lightly toasted buns, garnished with desired condiments.

I mixed light mayo with some fresh dill for the sauce.