Veggie Burger Patties
Flavorful and hearty veggie burger patties packed with grains, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a nutritious, plant-based meal that appeals to vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 2/3 c. pearl barley ⓘ
- 2/3 c. lentils ⓘ
- 2/3 c. long grain brown rice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 c. grated carrots ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. shelled sunflower seeds ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 7 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water, pearl barley, lentils, and brown rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until grains and lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Drain excess water if necessary and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked grains and lentils with grated carrots, chopped onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, sunflower seeds, chopped basil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beaten eggs and mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped into patties.
- Form the mixture into burger-sized patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. You can also swap the pearl barley with quinoa for a different texture. If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried herbs instead—just reduce the amount used by about one-third. Ensure that the mixture holds together before shaping; if it's too crumbly, add a little more egg or water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these veggie burger patties on whole-grain buns with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and tomato. They pair beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. For a tasty twist, try adding a dollop of hummus or tzatziki on top. Browse more vegetarian recipes for additional delicious options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover veggie burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or warm them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veggie Burger Patties contains roughly 579 calories, with 22g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1306mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these veggie burger patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance! Shape them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked; just separate each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Mix 1 tablespoon of either with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous, then add it to the mixture as you would with eggs. This will help bind the patties together.
How can I customize the flavor of the patties?
You can easily tailor the flavor of these patties by adding different spices, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to give them a smoky taste. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different herbs as well!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).