Back in the day I used to be vegan. Well, fist I was vegetarian THEN vegan then vegetarian again. There were a lot of things I loved about it but veggie burgers were high on the list
Maybe the top of the list, who knows?
The thing is that they are expensive to buy. I used to get the mix, which is a little more affordable, but still the cost bothered me and I could never get the flavor just the way I liked.
What to do?
Yeah, I came up with my own. Once you pan fry one of these (do not put it on the grill!) and put it on a homemade hamburger bun, mustard, pickles, tomato, lettuce, and onions you will be amazed at how addictive it is. I won't say that it is just like a hamburger; it's not. It is yummy on its own, though, and will really help stretch that grocery budget.
You can easily adjust the ingredients to make it gluten free or allergy friendly. Just substitute with other similar ingredients in the same proportions. Keep the mix in a tightly covered jar in a cool dry place.
You can make up a batch of the mix and use it as needed. It takes less than 20 minutes to make and is low fat with plenty of healthy whole grains and fiber. Add a slice of pepper jack cheese to it for hamburger perfection.
Homemade Veggie Burger Mix
📖 Recipe
Make Your Own Veggie Burger Mix
Print Rate RecipeIngredients
- ½ cup dried chickpeas
- ½ cup dried black beans
- ½ c dried red lentils
- ¼ cup peanuts
- ¼ cup almonds
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 2 tbs flour
- ¼ cup brown rice, ,
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ cup dried onions, , opt
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Mix
- Mix all ingredients except nuts and seeds in a blender until well combined and the consistency of course meal, processing ½ cup at a time.
- Combine the ground ingredients with the nuts and seeds and grind in blender again, ½ cup at a time, using pulsing motion.
- It should have the consistency of cornmeal.
- Makes 8 cups, 16 servings
To Make Burgers
- Add ½ cup of the mix to ⅓ cup boiling water and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or soy sauce(optional).
- Let stand until water is absorbed.
- Shape into two patties.
- Heat a layer of oil in pan and add burgers.
- Cook for 3 minutes on one side, or until golden.
- Turn and cover the pan.
- Cook for 5 more minutes. Watch that the bottom doesn't burn.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
RW says
I love the fact that this recipe includes a variety of beans, seeds, and nuts. I was just wondering what purpose does the baking soda serve? I don't use baking soda. I usually use baking powder but I would have to put 3 times the amount to make up for the baking soda. Are there any other alternatives?
Marye says
I've never tried it without baking soda. I think it helps to tenderize the mix and make it lighter.
Kari Vorster says
Can I keep this mix in a jar in the pantry
Marye says
yes! make sure it's tightly covered.
khushi says
Hi. A great idea to do a burger mix. I would prefer to make this grillable. Any advice? I am thinking flax powder, guar gum or xantum gum or plain white flour with the boiling water. Thanks
Marye Audet says
I don't have the experience with any of that..sorry
Jay says
Try quinoa to firm up the mixture then form the patties and refrigerate them overnight
Bob says
These are amazing. My family loves them. Great substitute for Nature Burgers. I put chickpeas, beans, lentils, dried corn, rice and wheat berries through my grain mill. Then nuts, seeds and oat groats through my for processor and combine the resulting flours with the spices. It keeps well in ziplock bags in my freezer. Very fast to cook. I love them. Thanks Marye!
Marye Audet says
I'm so glad you like them! They're a leftover recipe from when I was vegetarian. 🙂
Walt Socha says
I've been looking for a veggie "roast" (usually found during Thanksgiving by Tofurkey, etc). What do you think of add an egg or two to the mix, forming a large "lump", and roasting it? (With potatoes, onions, whatever, etc).
Marye Audet says
I don't see why it wouldn't work. Give it a try and let me know!
Barbara Wolfsong says
WOW! These are delicious. I went out yesterday to buy all the ingredients and made half the recipe today. Eating a tomato and burger mix sandwich now. I had really loved a mix called Nature's Burger and had kept it on hand until I couldn't find it for sale anywhere. Since then I looked for something that would be easy to make and save for those hungry moments. This looks like my new thing. I may play around with herbs and spices since they seem a little bland to my palate.
Marye Audet says
So glad you liked them!
Barbara Wolfsong says
Today I tried them with cooked frozen spinach . . . about 1/4 cup added to the 1/2 cup mix plus 1/3 cup boiling water. I let it sit for about half an hour and it held together quite well even with the added spinach and pan fried. It felt like an extra bonus.
Akeem Goodman says
you can always use flax seed (grounded) to help bind the burgers together if you are looking for a vegan alternative!
Bev Dittberner says
I LOVE these, thank you so much , I've been trying to replicate my favorite dry veggie mix ( discontinued) for some time and these are perfect. an alternative way to make them is I use half the water and add the mix to a square of tofu - mix well and form into burgers - I really like how adaptable your recipes are. thanks again.
Marye Audet says
you're welcome! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
juliemarie says
Hello,
I would very much like to try these, but I have a corn allergy. In your opinion, what would be a good substitute for the cornmeal??
merci 🙂
Marye Audet says
Hmmmm... Just use almond flour or increase one of the other ingredients. 🙂
Christian says
Thanks soooo much from the bottom of my "veggie-burger-lovin" heart!!! 🙂
This is hands down the best veggie burger recipe I've ever come across. Perfect texture, amazing flavour and super easy to prep. Simply genius!!!
Corbin says
I am assuming that the rice is uncooked as well?
Marye Audet says
Yes everything is uncooked.
Ms. Lu says
How do you store the mix and for how long?
Marye Audet says
refrigerator... at least 3 months if not more.
Jon says
Just made up a double batch to keep a bulk container on the fridge for quick lunches! Fantastic recipe! Thanks so much for posting. Made my day!
Caroline White says
This is very interesting. However I'd rather not use baking soda. Is it really necessary? Do you know of a substitute? Thank you.
marye says
I think it adds a little lightness to the burgers but you probably dont need it
chris says
I was wondering if you knew the fiber amounts in this recipe. I do a lot of cooking for people who do WWPP and they asked for the fiber. Thanks. These "burgers" are really good. Being a beef lover I was skeptical.
marye says
Chris - I just checked and it is 7.3 grams of fiber for one serving or 1/12 of the recipe. I use this nutrition calculator - you might find it helpful in the future. https://caloriecount.about.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php
Naomi says
Amazing recipe! I was tired of scouring the web for veggie burger recipes and finding only ones that had canned beans (I like to avoid preservatives) - and almost gave up when I found this lovely recipe. I was a bit wary of how the dried grains would turn out, and what would happen without an emulsifier, but it was fabulous. I used a grain grinder for the beans, and added spices as per my cabinet. The taste and texture were great and this is getting written in my permanent recipe notebook - thanks so much!
I do have a question - do you know the difference in digestion/nutrient absorption with these dried grains versus when they are cooked?
marye says
Naomi, I don't know... but I always assumed that the beans were cooked by the boiling water - somewhat like instant oatmeal would be...so it shouldnt be that much different. Glad you liked it!
marye says
Yes, you grind them while dried -- you don't cook them. It has never bothered my blender but I suppose you could also use your grain grinder.
Talia says
I was wondering if this could be ground in a regular food processor, and if I can sub the peanuts and almonds could be substituted for raw sunflower seeds due to nut and peanut allergies. Thanks so much! This recipe looks delish and so handy.
marye says
Sure.. 🙂
marye says
I really like these and you can keep the mix on hand, which makes them even easier.
Elle says
Wow, what a great idea! I seriously have to try this!
marye says
Elle,
Don't be afraid to play with the ingredients.......... as long as the proportions are right you're good.