ROASTED RED PEPPER QUINOA BURGERS

Something I've wanted to try but have never had was a type a veggie burger. So of course, I went to my go to website, Pinterest, and found this recipe. I wasn't sure how my family would react to this kind of burger, but I had to give it a go. And let me tell you, it was easy and delicious. 

What you'll need:
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (I forgot and used Italian bread crumbs)
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 whole wheat bun, toasted

Directions:
In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, basil, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, add beans and mash coarsely with a fork. Stir in quinoa, garlic and roasted red peppers, mixing well to combine. (Make sure you use roasted red peppers. I skipped over the roasted part and chopped up a whole red pepper.) Add in bread crumb mixture and egg, mixing well to moisten. Once combined, add in the flour and mix well. Form into four equally sized balls.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Press each quinoa ball into a large patty, being careful to press the sides together so they don't fall apart while cooking. Add to skillet and cook until golden and crisp on each side, about five minutes. Serve immediately on toasted buns with your favorite toppings! I added spinach, red peppers, and mayonnaise to mine. The website said they added bacon, but I'm not a huge fan. 

Despite the red pepper mix up, these burgers were great. Another success with only one small mix up. I'd definitely recommend this recipe. 

Stay tuned to see what I cook up next!

-Elissa Rae