The Secret to a Great Vegan Burger: The Patty

The patty is the heart and soul of any burger, and a vegan burger is no different. I mean, sure, there are some fantastic vegan burger patties out there, but I love making my own so that I can make sure the ingredients are just right.

The straightforward patty recipe made with black beans, oats, walnuts, and spices contains protein and heartiness from the black beans, bulk from the oats, a nutty flavor from the walnuts, and the spices-well, the spices are magic.

The best part is that this is a recipe to play with. Want a more savory patty? Go ahead and add some nutritional yeast or smoked paprika. Is it a bit of sweetness you want? Try adding some maple syrup or brown sugar. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the Patty: Toppings that Shine

Once you have your patty perfected, it's time to think about toppings. Now, things start to get really fun!

I'm a huge fan of keeping things simple. Lettuce, tomato, onion, and a smear of vegan mayo are all you really need. But if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some vegan cheese, avocado, or even a fried egg.

But in buns, I'll make use of the whole wheat buns; any buns would actually do. Just make sure that it's toasted enough for a crispy texture.

The Easy Vegan Burger Recipe: Putting it All Together

Now that we have gone through the basics, here is actually the recipe. Relax; it's super simple!

Ingredients:

• 1 can, 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Toppings of your own choice

Procedure:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash black beans, oats, walnuts, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together.

2. Stir the mixture well using a fork until these are properly incorporated into each other.

3. Divide this mixture into 4 patties.

4. Heat a big skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.

5. Serve the patties on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Tips and Tricks:

• If the patty mixture is too wet, add a bit more oats.
• If it's too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.
• You can grill the patties rather than fry them.
• Get creative with toppings! Imagine anything you would like! Enjoy!

Beyond the Burger: More Vegan Goodness

Whether you're a vegan expert or just curious to explore plant-based eats, it's time to elevate your vegan meals to the next level. Start here with just a few ideas:

• Vegan Tacos: Make your tacos from scratch with a plant protein like tempeh, tofu, or lentil "meat." Toppings: fresh veggies, salsa, and guacamole.
• Vegan Chili: Chilli in a bowl will be great for any night when outside it is freezing. Mix together kidney beans, lentils, and spices. Delicious will be the outcome, and something worth having.
• Vegan Shepherd's Pie: In this classic comfort food, a mixture of lentil or mushroom goes well with the mashed potato on top.

It really can be that simple to cook vegan; it's all about being on the lookout for creative and delicious ways to enjoy plant-based food. Now get into the kitchen, experiment, and have fun!

What are your favorite vegan recipes? Share them in the comments!