When we think about an hamburger the first thing that comes to our mind is a good porction of minced beef. But today I show you that it is possible to make a vegetarian burger (with quinoa, beets and chickpeas) that everyone will want to eat.
These healthy quinoa, beet and chickpea burgers are the perfect way to introduce legumes and vegetables to children -and adults- who don’t want to eat it.
The final touch for this burgers is a delicious grilled asparagus sauce.
Let yourself be seduced by its incredible flavor and color, I am sure that you will want to eat more and more!
Ingredients for 6 quinoa, beet and chickpea burgers with asparagus sauce:
For the vegetarian burgers:
- 180 g (1 cup) cooked chickpeas
- 100 g (½ cup) quinoa
- 315 g of red beet (4 little-sized)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Zest and juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup of quick oats
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1 egg (optional)
- Optional: 6 homemade burger buns
For the asparagus sauce:
- 200 g (1 bunch) asparagus
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water
How to do quinoa, beet and chickpea burgers with asparagus sauce:
Cook the quinoa:
Rinse the quinoa with plenty of water and place over medium-high heat with 1 cup of water. When it begins to boil, lower the heat and cover the pan, leave cook about 15 minutes or until it has absorbed the water.
Cook the veg:
Peel the beets with a potato peeler, then grate them on the large holes of a box grater (use an apron, because the beets will spray). Then, grate the garlic for the smallest part of the box grater.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat with a dash of olive oil, add the onion and let cook, stirring occasionally, about 5-10 minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and grated beet, seasoning to taste and let cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the burgers:
With a fork, mash lightly the cooked chickpeas.
In a large bowl mix mashed chickpeas, oats, quinoa and parsley.
Add the beets and mash with a potato masher to break up the beans slightly – the mixture should still be fairly chunky.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape it.
Make the asparagus sauce:
Heat the grill and place the asparagus on it, add a splash of olive oil and season with freshly ground pepper and salt. Let cook 2 minutes.
Grind the asparagus with 2 tablespoons of water. If you want a more liquid sauce, add a little more water and grind again. Season to taste.
Cook the burgers:
Heat a frying pan with a dash of olive oil and brown the hamburgers 2-3 minutes on each side, being careful not to break them when turning them. If you prefer you can cook the burgers for about 15 minutes in the oven.
Serve with the asparagus sauce and enjoy this delicious and healthy vegetable burgers.
