Garden Burger Recipe

Prepare flax binder

In a small bowl whisk together the ground flaxseed and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until thickened.

Mash beans

Place the rinsed black beans in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash most of the beans, leaving some whole for texture (about 70% mashed).

Cook aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add the grated carrot and minced garlic and cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Combine patty mixture

To the bowl with mashed beans add the cooked quinoa, cooled sautéed vegetables, oats (or oat flour), chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, tomato paste, soy sauce, and the flax binder. Mix thoroughly until mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add up to 2 tablespoons more oats; if too dry, add 1 tablespoon water.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your buns. Press gently to compact.

Chill patties (optional but recommended)

Place formed patties on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up and hold shape when cooking.

Cook patties

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until a brown crust forms and they are heated through (internal temp not required for vegetable patties). If using cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt.

Toast buns

Split the buns and lightly toast them in a toaster or in a skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Mix sauce

In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning or add a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayo-mustard sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a handful of mixed greens, then a cooked garden patty, followed by a tomato slice, red onion, avocado slices, and pickles if using. Top with the bun crown smeared with remaining sauce.

Serve

Serve the garden burgers immediately with your choice of side (oven fries, salad, or sweet potato wedges).