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January 27, 2011

Veggie Burger Palooza!: Creating the Perfect Veggie Burger

Vegan Vegetarian
54 comments
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Last night was Veggie Burger Palooza! here at the fANNEtastic food household! I had a bunch of the girls over with one mission: create the perfect veggie burger.

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For my Food Service Systems Management class, we have a big group project that continues throughout the semester. Our professor is the head of food service at UNC hospitals, so our project involves creating a new menu item for their hospital! Each group has to:

  1. Come up with a recipe, either for patient menus or for one of their retail restaurants/ cafes (we chose retail). Scale to 20 portions.
  2. At the hospital, go in and shadow a team to learn how to purchase, receive, and store the materials necessary for our recipe (and then do it!).
  3. Using the kitchen and supplies at the hospital, prepare our recipe!

If they love our recipe, they will consider actually implementing it in the hospital! How cool would that be? 🙂

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We also do a few other modules for the course, such as:

  • Taste testing some of the patient trays (regular, low sodium, low fat, and puree diets) for quality evaluation
  • Learning about safety and sanitation
  • Planning a new kitchen layout and design including equipment specifications
  • Learning accounting procedures

It should be an interesting class!

ANYWAY! My group proposed veggie burgers since they don’t have any at the hospital right now, and our professor loved the idea. So last night I had my group (minus our friend Lauren who was busy) over to create the perfect veggie burger recipe!

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We had a blast! We used my Black Bean Spinach Burger recipe as inspiration, but tweaked it a little to make it even more awesome 🙂

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Introducing…

Homemade Mexican Black Bean Burgers! (vegan)

(makes 2 patties)

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 C black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 C fresh spinach
  • 1/4 C whole wheat flour
  • 2 Tbsp. oats
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • Optional toppings: sliced tomato, avocado, fresh spinach, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:

Toss it all into a food processor and whirl away! Once it’s mixed, form into two patties. Toss them onto a skillet coated with cooking oil/spray and cook on medium high for about 5 minutes, flipping at least once until they have a bit of a crust on them. Serve atop salad or on a whole wheat bun with toppings!

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Homemade Mexican Black Bean Burgers!

black bean veggie burgers
May 5, 2019
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Ingredients:

  • 3/4 C black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 C fresh spinach
  • 1/4 C whole wheat flour
  • 2 Tbsp. oats
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • Optional toppings: sliced tomato, avocado, fresh spinach, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:

Toss it all into a food processor and whirl away! Once it’s mixed, form into two patties. Toss them onto a skillet coated with cooking oil/spray and cook on medium high for about 5 minutes, flipping at least once until they have a bit of a crust on them. Serve atop salad or on a whole wheat bun with toppings!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

They came out AWESOME — we were pumped! Great texture, stayed together perfectly, and nice flavor, too. Delish!

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We had sweet potato fries on the side, clearly 🙂

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ROAR gross patty forming hands:

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Isn’t Elle is the cutest waitress ever? 🙂

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We made two different versions, hence the half burgers for taste testing each of them! The first version was good but needed more spice since we had increased the flour and added oats to the original recipe. Round 2 was perfect!

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You know what’s not awesome, though? My scary food processor. It has gotten SO intensely scary and loud it’s ridiculous!!! I guess it’s worn out?!

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That is not an exaggeration! I literally have to process things with my left arm covering my ear and my right hand covering my other ear because it’s so loud it will blow your head off! The girls didn’t believe me until I turned it on, lol. I think the neighbors were probably scared for their lives. Thankfully Matt and I got a new one from his parents for Christmas — he’s hopefully going to bring it down with him this weekend (he’s finally coming back from Europe today!!!).

I’m off to class — have a wonderful day 🙂

- anne
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54 comments
  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun
    January 27, 2011 · 9:01AM:
    I've only had Boca veggie burgers and my homemade veggie burger (made with kidney beans). These look delicious! I'm adding this to my list of things to make. ;-)
    Reply
  • Victoria (District Chocoholic)
    January 27, 2011 · 9:10AM:
    Awesome recipe, and very cool assignment/challenge. I love spinach in veggie burgers.
    Reply
  • Paige @ The Gravy Boat
    January 27, 2011 · 9:23AM:
    I keep meaning to try and make veggie burgers at home because I hear they're so much more awesome than the frozen ones (ick) and so easy to make. These definitely look tasty!
    Reply
  • Sarah @ goingongoals
    January 27, 2011 · 9:35AM:
    I am so surprised the hospital does not already have veggies burgers!! What a great idea to add them. I also have not tried to make a veggie burger at home because I do not have a food processor. Things to do and things to buy!
    Reply
  • Ashley K January 27, 2011 · 9:57AM:
    My food processor does the exact same thing, it's done it ever since we got it. I'm just too lazy to try and fix it... Hah!
    Reply
  • Laura
    January 27, 2011 · 10:05AM:
    That is a fun assignment! I am searching for veggie burger recipes to try, so I will have to make these soon. They look delicious!
    Reply
  • Lauren
    January 27, 2011 · 10:29AM:
    I'm definitely gonna try this burger. This sounds like an awesome class assignment!
    Reply
  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston
    January 27, 2011 · 10:38AM:
    Those look amazing! And yay for Matt coming back!!
    Reply
  • Brittany
    January 27, 2011 · 10:41AM:
    haha I Love this picture at the end of this post
    Reply
  • Katy
    January 27, 2011 · 10:53AM:
    Must.Make.Stat. This looks amazing, and I'm always in search for the perfect veggie burger. The best I ever ordered was in Portland, OR, and I've been trying to find a way to recreate it ever since.
    Reply
  • Katy (The Singing Runner)
    January 27, 2011 · 10:59AM:
    This class sounds so much fun and super interesting! I would love to do an assignment like that. D And the veggie burgers sound great! I will have to make them!
    Reply
  • Sarah (Sarah Learns)
    January 27, 2011 · 11:16AM:
    jealous that you got to make veggie burgers for a class! i can't wait to take my food science classes! :)
    Reply
  • Avery (Young Aspirations)
    January 27, 2011 · 11:45AM:
    These looks amazing AND I have all the ingredients! I'm so making these asap :) I had a veggie burger recently in Charlotte, NC at this restaurant called 131 Main and it was AMAZING. I've never had anything like it! I died and went to heaven right there at the table. PS that class sounds awesome!! Seems like Grad students get all the cool classes ;)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 27, 2011 · 1:37PM:
      What was in their veggie burger that made it so amazing???
      Reply
  • Sabine @ thefruitpursuit
    January 27, 2011 · 11:56AM:
    I am So going to try these, stat! Because of living with a voracious carnivore, I am always looking for good burger recipes that make beef burgers stand no change. Ps I just stumbled upon your blog and am loving it! I study dietetics too, but in Holland x sabine
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 27, 2011 · 1:38PM:
      How fun! My family is Dutch originally :) I love Holland, it's beautiful!
      Reply
  • Clare @ Fitting It All In
    January 27, 2011 · 12:00PM:
    Yummm will be making that shortly. What a cool class - I hope it gets chosen!
    Reply
  • Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition
    January 27, 2011 · 12:24PM:
    Those look fANNEtastic! (ugh, sorry for the cheesy joke, couldn't help myself) I wonder if I could get the BF to give up the beef for a night and try one....
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 27, 2011 · 1:37PM:
      Hehe, love the cheesy joke :)
      Reply
  • Lauren
    January 27, 2011 · 12:36PM:
    Now this is a palooza I would LOVE to be at! :) Great recipe. I'm always trying to perfect my Veggie Burger recipe.
    Reply
  • Suzanne @ continuing my education
    January 27, 2011 · 1:24PM:
    These look really yummy! By boyfriend has that same food processor and it is so loud!! It always sounds like we are using heavy machinery! I think they should ship them with ear plugs
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 27, 2011 · 1:38PM:
      I know right?? It wasn't scary loud at first... it's just been the past couple months for some reason. So weird!
      Reply
  • Silvia @ skinny jeans food
    January 27, 2011 · 1:57PM:
    I made these just now --- they ARE perfect, with the spices and the lemon juice and the spinach! The only messy thing is indeed forming the patties.
    Reply
  • Rose
    January 27, 2011 · 2:30PM:
    What a fun project! I'll have to make these at home. My husband is tolerating me playing with weird recipes, and making my own veggie burgers fits the mold perfectly.
    Reply
  • Lu January 27, 2011 · 2:51PM:
    Ahhhhh they look INCREDIBLE! I wish you could send me one! Yummy!
    Reply
  • Salah (My Healthiest Lifestyle)
    January 27, 2011 · 3:50PM:
    mmmm those look bomb!!!!
    Reply
  • Kelly
    January 27, 2011 · 4:40PM:
    This is the second time I've seen veggie burgers on a blog today so I think the food Gods are telling me something: make veggie burgers! :) Yours look great!
    Reply
  • lauren norster
    January 27, 2011 · 5:53PM:
    THis looks fantastic! I've made one similiar to this, except instead of whole wheat flour I used rice...yours look more real, though!
    Reply
  • Renie January 27, 2011 · 7:19PM:
    That veggie burger actually has ingredients in it that I really like. I will give this a try. I love sweet potato fries, I have been making them for years. I actually love sweet potatoes, not a big fan of regular potatoes.Weird.
    Reply
  • Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
    January 27, 2011 · 7:19PM:
    Those veggie burgers look great!! Can't wait to try out the recipe!
    Reply
  • Sara @ Running In Pink Project
    January 27, 2011 · 7:58PM:
    I really like the idea of making my own veggie burger. Right now I am addicted to the Amy's TEXAS style with the BBQ sauce. I love them!!! I tried to make a turkey burger version this week because my husband feels its not really dinner without meat. It actually turned out pretty good. :) Im def going to try this recipe though.
    Reply
  • Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
    January 27, 2011 · 9:43PM:
    Ahhh yum!! Spreading the vegan burger love:)
    Reply
  • DHP January 27, 2011 · 11:37PM:
    Ok, does it truly taste good? :-)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 28, 2011 · 6:07AM:
      I wouldn't say it did if it didn't :)
      Reply
  • LisaJ January 28, 2011 · 10:33PM:
    Made these tonight for our family of 5. Even the kids loved these. I made them EXACTLY as you instructed and they turned out perfect. Even enjoyed some sweet potato and carrot fries on the side. This is a KEEPER!
    Reply
  • Megan January 28, 2011 · 11:48PM:
    I'm definitely marking this to try. I was also using my food processor attachment on my Cuisinart blender the other day and it was also making a horrible sound an not doing a great job.
    Reply
  • Sarah January 30, 2011 · 5:03PM:
    This recipe looks terrific. I can't wait to try it.
    Reply
  • Linda January 30, 2011 · 10:49PM:
    Let me see now...wouldn't someone studying to be an RD actually put in the nutrition info too?! I'm disappointed it isn't here but the burgers look good and will be tried for either meatless Monday, where's the Beef Wednesday, or thank goodness it's Vegan Fridays.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 31, 2011 · 7:17AM:
      That's precisely why I don't - I don't have time! I'm sorry, but being in a full time masters program AND maintaining this blog is about all I can handle. If you end up calculating any of it, please feel free to email it to me and I'll add it in!
      Reply
  • josephinesped January 31, 2011 · 5:42AM:
    I have some industrial earplugs that I keep around the house for noise!
    Reply
  • kristin February 10, 2011 · 8:58AM:
    i loooooooved the burgers - we made them last night. flavor is amazing! but, they were super mushy! Do you think I had them in the food processor for too long? Help!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      February 10, 2011 · 4:41PM:
      Hmmm maybe you didn't cook them long enough? Or made them too thick? They shouldn't be mushy!
      Reply
  • Sarah March 17, 2011 · 11:09AM:
    I've been wanting to make these for a while now and finally did last night. They were soo delicious! I never knew that making your own veggie burgers would be so easy. Thank you for the great recipe! :)
    Reply
  • Connie March 27, 2011 · 6:00PM:
    I don't have a food processor . but I do have a blender . Anyone tried it in a blender? I don't want to waste the ingredients if it's going to mess it up . They sound great !
    Reply
    • Anne P
      March 28, 2011 · 8:08AM:
      I wouldn't try putting garlic in a blender, but you could maybe try with the rest? You could also just mash it all by hand and chop the garlic really finely - it will just be a chunkier texture.
      Reply
  • Mari June 21, 2011 · 12:32PM:
    These look good and I can't wait to make them! Does the flour have to be whole wheat or will any flour do?
    Reply
    • Anne P
      June 21, 2011 · 2:56PM:
      Any flour will do! :)
      Reply
  • Marianne January 17, 2012 · 7:00PM:
    Every homemade Black Bean burger recipe I have experiemtned with has been too moist and didnt hold shape, this recipe is FANTASTIC !!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 18, 2012 · 8:05AM:
      Woohoo! :)
      Reply
  • Mario
    October 16, 2014 · 4:48AM:
    Hi Anne, this looks delicious - got to try it. Did you use dry black beans or pre-cooked ones?
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 16, 2014 · 5:34AM:
      Pre cooked!
      Reply
  • Nicole December 30, 2014 · 10:51PM:
    Oh my! These were so easy and delish!We have recently gone vegan and I wanted to make some bean burgers. My whole family liked them, My beef burger loving 9 year DS says they are awesome! The only thing I did differently is used taco seasoning (one heaping teaspoon) instead of the spices. Thank you so much for sharing, can't wait to make them again!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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