Cheezy Broccoli Quinoa Burgers

My Unexpected Vegan Burger Journey

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school drop-offs, and trying to keep my sanity intact. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Cheezy Broccoli Quinoa Burgers, I was skeptical. Vegan? Quinoa? My kids are notoriously picky eaters, and the thought of them willingly devouring anything remotely "healthy" seemed like a far-fetched dream. But I was desperate. My usual weeknight rotation of pasta and takeout was starting to bore even me. I decided to take a leap of faith, and I'm so glad I did.

The process itself was surprisingly straightforward. I followed the recipe diligently, chopping the broccoli and pulsing it in the food processor. My kids were amused by the greenish-grey mixture taking shape, but their skepticism was clearly visible. The aroma of garlic and spices wafting through the kitchen did pique their interest, though. Forming the patties was easy, and even my five-year-old had fun patting them into shape. The chilling period in the fridge was a welcome break, allowing me to tackle other chores without feeling rushed.

The moment of truth arrived when the burgers were ready. I opted for the oven-baked version, as it seemed less messy than the pan-fried option. The aroma alone was enough to draw my family into the kitchen. Their eyes widened as I presented them with the golden-brown, slightly crispy patties. My kids, initially hesitant, took a bite and their faces lit up. It was a victory! They devoured the burgers, praising the cheesy flavor and surprising texture. Even my husband, a self-proclaimed carnivore, admitted that they were unexpectedly delicious.

This recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s a versatile meal, and I've experimented with adding different spices and herbs to switch things up. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick, other times I incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill. The possibilities are endless. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, something always on my mind as a mom. Beyond its taste and convenience, this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a reminder that venturing outside my culinary comfort zone can lead to unexpected culinary delights. It's proof that even the pickiest eaters can be surprised by a healthy, plant-based meal. More importantly, it allows me to spend quality time with my family, creating memories around a shared meal without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. The time saved allows me to focus on other aspects of my life, leaving me feeling more balanced and content.

This recipe isn’t just about quick, delicious dinners; it's about creating simple yet satisfying moments in a busy life. It’s a small victory against the chaos of everyday life, a reminder that even amidst the rush, there's time for a healthy, tasty, and family-friendly meal. This newfound flexibility in my kitchen has empowered me to balance my professional life and my role as a mother, allowing me to enjoy both without compromise. The recipe has helped me reclaim my time and energy, empowering me to take care of myself and my family. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, healthy eating in a busy life.

So, if you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy vegan burger recipe that will impress even the pickiest eaters, give these Cheezy Broccoli Quinoa Burgers a try. You might be surprised by the results!

Step-by-step

• Steam broccoli until tender, either using a steamer basket or just in a small pan with a little water in the bottom. Drain and let cool until cool enough to handle.
• Once cool, add broccoli to a food processor and pulse until chopped into very small pieces, 10–15 pulses. Add chickpeas, quinoa and mustard and pulse until a dough starts to form.
• Transfer mixture to a bowl, add in remaining ingredients (starting with 4 tablespoons quinoa flour) and knead by hand until dough can be formed into patties, adding more quinoa flour as needed.
• Form dough into patties and place on a parchment lined sheet/plate. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.
• Cooking options:
• 1) Heat oil over medium high heat. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a little water on the pan. If water immediately sizzles, the pan is ready. Add burgers to pan, cooking until browned on both sides, 2–3 minutes per side. Place on wire rack to cool while finish cooking.
• 2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, add patties and bake on the center rack for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until burgers are crispy.