Roasted Zucchini Burgers with Garlic Whipped Feta
Adapted from Food and Wine June 2016 issue. If you are having trouble frying these I recommend one, either forming them into small, slider size patties for easier flipping OR two, baking then in a 400 degrees oven for 35-45 minutes or until firm and crisp, flipping them halfway through cooking. Allow the patties to sit 5-10 minutes before assembling the burgers.
Adapted from Food and Wine June 2016 issue. If you are having trouble frying these I recommend one, either forming them into small, slider size patties for easier flipping OR two, baking then in a 400 degrees oven for 35-45 minutes or until firm and crisp, flipping them halfway through cooking. Allow the patties to sit 5-10 minutes before assembling the burgers.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- kosher salt + pepper
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 6 ounces feta cheese
- olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 medium zucchini (cut into 2 chunks)
- 3 medium yellow summer squash (cut into 2 chunks)
- 4 cloves garlic (left whole (1 clove for the burger and 3
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to your taste)
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- lettuce (tomatoes and or sliced avocado for serving)
- zest from 1/2 a lemon
- milk (to thin if needed)
- Carbohydrate 223.015718834362 g
- Cholesterol 152.305203354 mg
- Fat 60.9998115778013 g
- Fiber 21.708173891596 g
- Protein 67.32280608765 g
- Saturated Fat 28.554236450944 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (837g)
- Sodium 3128.41193216103 mg
- Sugar 201.307544942766 g
- Trans Fat 12.4126466831785 g
- Calories 1712 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss together the zucchini, summer squash and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, salt + pepper and toss well to coat. Place in the oven and roast for 45-50 minutes or until the squash is softened and golden all over, making sure most of the moisture has been cooked out of the squash. Turn the squash around halfway throughout cooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow the squash to cool. Remove all but 1 clove of garlic from the pan, reserving the 3 remaining cloves for the whipped feta. Add the roasted squash + one of the garlic cloves to a food processor along with the paprika, cayenne, quinoa, panko and basil. Pulse to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Pat the zucchini mixture into 10-12 even size patties. The mixture will be sticky, but do your best to form the patties. Once all the patties have been formed, place them in the fridge to chill, at least one hour or up to 1 day.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add 2-3 patties at a time and cook until lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes, flip and cook another 5-8 minutes or until firm. Repeat wit the remaining patties. Note: these burgers are delicate, be careful when flipping.
- To serve, spread the bottom of each warmed bun with whipped feta (see recipe below). Top with a zucchini burger, sliced avocado, tomato and other toppings. Add your top bun. EAT!
- In a food processor, combine the feta, greek yogurt, olive oil and the reserved 3 cloves of roasted garlic from above. Puree until completely smooth and creamy, scrapping down the sides if needed, about 5 minutes. Add the pepper, dill and lemon zest. Pulse to combine. If needed, thin with milk. Serve with the burgers.
Roasted Zucchini Burgers with Garlic Whipped Feta: A Summertime Delight
Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the season's bounty than with these vibrant and flavorful roasted zucchini burgers? This recipe, adapted from a favorite magazine, has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to for quick weeknight dinners and impressive summer gatherings alike. The creamy garlic whipped feta adds a touch of elegance that elevates these burgers beyond the ordinary. I've made countless variations, playing with different toppings and serving suggestions, but the core recipe always delivers.
The process is surprisingly straightforward. Roasting the zucchini and squash brings out their natural sweetness and creates a wonderfully tender texture. While the recipe calls for frying the patties, I've found that baking them is just as delicious and far less messy. Whether you choose to pan-fry or bake, the key is to ensure the patties are well-formed and have cooled slightly before cooking to prevent them from falling apart. A little patience goes a long way!
The Magic of the Whipped Feta
The garlic whipped feta is the star of the show! The creamy texture perfectly complements the slightly earthy flavor of the zucchini burgers. The simple combination of feta, Greek yogurt, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs creates a stunning condiment that's both savory and tangy. I often find myself making extra whipped feta to spread on sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip for vegetables.
Adaptability is Key
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. It’s incredibly versatile and readily accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences. For a vegetarian option, simply omit any meat-based toppings and ensure your buns are vegetarian-friendly. Feeling creative? Experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the burger mixture for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Burger
While these zucchini burgers are delicious on their own, they also make fantastic additions to other dishes. I've used them as toppings for salads, incorporated them into grain bowls, and even added them to wraps for a quick lunch. Their versatility is a testament to their well-balanced flavor profile. They're the kind of dish that you can make ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and enjoy throughout the week.
More Than Just a Meal
This recipe isn't just about cooking; it's about creating memories and sharing delicious food with loved ones. I often make these burgers for summer barbecues, potlucks, or simply for a relaxed dinner with family. The process of making them is almost therapeutic, a chance to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking. The aroma of roasting zucchini and garlic is enough to transform any ordinary day into something special.
A Recipe for Connection
In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, taking the time to prepare a meal like this is an act of self-care and a gesture of love towards those you share it with. It's a reminder to savor the simple things, to appreciate the flavors of the season, and to connect with those we cherish most. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the magic of this recipe bring a touch of sunshine to your kitchen and your heart.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and red onion.
- Add them to salads for a hearty and flavorful addition.
- Incorporate them into grain bowls for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Use them as fillings for wraps or pita bread for a quick lunch.
Variations:
- Add different herbs to the burger mixture, such as parsley, cilantro, or oregano.
- Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Include finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix.
- Experiment with different types of cheese in the whipped feta, such as goat cheese or ricotta.
