15 Minute Spa Meals: Warm Sage Vegetable Burgers

January 24, 2013

I’m regularly on the lookout for quick meatless meals that I can whip up during the week. This eggless vegetable burger made with warm sage, crunchy nuts and vibrant carrots is a new go-to of mine.

Warm Sage Vegetable Burgers
Serving Size: 4 (350 calories per serving, with 1 English Muffin)
Ingredients
1 15 ounce can of chickpeas (~2 cups)
2 cups carrots, shredded
2 sprigs fresh sage, stems removed, roughly chopped
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 teaspoon thyme, dried
1 teaspoon oregano, dried
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon sea salt and pinch pepper
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
splash extra-virgin olive oil

For the assembly
4 English Muffins
1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Better-for-you ingredients
Learn more about the better-for-you ingredients in this recipe:

Chickpeas – Chickpeas are a member of the legume family. They are rich in fiber and are a popular source of protein in veggie-centric diets. One serving (1/2 cup) offers ~6g of protein .


Directions
In a small skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sage leaves. Let the sage leaves and oil toast up for ~ 2-3 minutes. When the sage leaves start to look slightly translucent turn off the heat.

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, carrots, warm sage, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until you have a thick, chunky consistency. Transfer mixture into a bowl and fold the in walnuts and almonds. Form mixture into four patties and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat add the butter (or coconut oil). You’ll want a nice hot pan so you can get a good crust on the burgers. Add the patties and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottoms begin to brown. Make sure not to flip the burgers too much or else they’ll fall apart!

Serve patties on a toasted English Muffin with a small handful of baby spinach. I like mine with a warm patty of butter and a pinch of salt. Enjoy!

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