Beet Veggie Burger with Pickled Onions

These burgers may not be traditional in that they are plant-based, primarily quinoa and pinto beans and they get their lovely color from raw shredded beets, but they can definitely go head to head with a beef burger. This take on a comfort food classic is packed with protein, provided by both the pinto beans and quinoa, and made flavorful with smoked paprika and other spices. This delicious burger is easy to make and a crowd pleaser.

This recipe comes to us from Joyce Vandenberg Porter of Good Mother Diet.

For more recipes with beets, click here.

Ingredients:

For Beet Veggie Burgers:

• 1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (1/2 cup uncooked)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded red beet (1 small beet)
• 1  egg or vegan egg substitute (see here for info on vegan egg substitutes)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 4 tsp. olive oil
• 6 hamburger buns
• 1/2 -1 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)

For Pickled Red Onion (optional):

• 1 small red onion
• 3/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Cook 1/2 cup of quinoa according to directions. Pour into a large bowl to cool.

2. While quinoa is cooking, thinly slice red onion and place in a bowl with rice vinegar and water. Cover and refrigerate until burgers are ready for serving.

3. Mash pinto beans with a wooden spoon until mostly broken down, but not completely smooth, and add to quinoa.

4. Peel raw beet with a sharp knife on a plate to save your cutting board from staining. Shred or grate in a food processor, mandolin or use a box grater. Add to quinoa mixture.

5. Add breadcrumbs, egg or egg substitute, garlic powder, salt, and paprika and mix until well combined.

6. Form mixture into six thick patties and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes. (You can skip this step if you are in a hurry).

7. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add three patties and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining 2 teaspoons oil and patties.

8. Place cooked patties on buns and serve with pickled red onions and your other favorite toppings. Enjoy!