Favorite Veggie Burgers

Have you met my favorite veggie burgers? If not, it’s about time! I have high standards for veggie burgers, and these put all the rest to shame. I have a feeling they’ll become your favorite veggie burgers, too.

These veggie burgers are hearty and satisfying, and feature an irresistible combination of flavors. They start with a base of quinoa, black beans and oats. Then we amp up the volume with sweet potatoes, fresh herbs, and some carefully chosen seasonings. They’re a little sweet and a little spicy, in the best of ways.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (2 medium or 3 small)

½ cup quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander

1 cup water

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained (or 1 ½ cups cooked black beans)

½ cup chopped red onion (about ½ small red onion)

⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

2 tablespoons adobo sauce* or 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 ¼ cups quick-cooking oats** (use certified gluten-free oats if necessary)

Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing (or avocado oil, if using stovetop method)

8 whole wheat hamburger buns (optional)

Your favorite burger fixings: Avocado or guacamole, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, cheese, sprouts, ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, fried eggs…