Portobello Burger Patty

________________________

Portobello “Burger” Patties

________________________
Full of flavor, these plant-based burgers are extremely versatile. I love the satisfying element they provide to a meal, without being overloaded with fat or nuts. Plus, they look like “real” burgers too! They are wonderful as a raw dish, but feel free to cook* these as well if you are short on time – they are delicious and health-giving either way.

INGREDIENTS:
½ cup ground flax seed
¼ cup hemp seeds
2 Tbsp fresh-chopped parsley
½ tsp fresh chopped thyme
1 Tbsp flax oil or olive oil
1½ Tbsp nama shoyu (or soy sauce)
1 tsp pressed garlic
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp mustard (stone-ground brown mustard preferable)
¼ cup chopped walnut pieces
2 medium portobello mushrooms, broken into large pieces

DIRECTIONS:
Mix: In a food processor, combine all ingredients except walnuts and mushrooms, and process until well combined. Turn off the processor and add in the walnuts and mushrooms. Pulse just 3 or 4 times until the mushrooms are diced, but do not blend. Remove mixture from the processor and transfer to a medium bowl.
Raw method (best): On a texflex sheet, squeeze the mixture into 8 balls and flatten into patties on a sheet. Dehydrate for 10 – 12 hours at 115 degrees, then flip and transfer to a mesh sheet and “cook” for 2 more hours. These keep for several days wrapped and refrigerated, and can be reheated as needed.
Serving suggestions: try “protein style” on a salad with a mustard vinaigrette, in a collard green with avocado and vegetables, or in a wrap or bun of choice with all the trimmings.

*Cooked method: Saute the chopped mushrooms in a dry pan for 2 or 3 minutes to cook out some of the moisture. Follow the rest of the recipe to form burgers. To cook, squeeze the mixture into 8 balls (press firmly to compact) and form into patties. Over very low heat, oil the pan with 1 or 2 Tbsp coconut oil. Add the patties, and cook approximately 10 minutes on each side. Patties will remain soft on the inside, but utterly enjoyable.

Makes 8 patties

Healthy benefits: raw, vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, high protien, omega fats

©2009 www.JulieMorris.net