Homemade Meatless Burgers

So, I promised if these turned out good I would post. So here I am! 

They are kind of involved to make, but this recipe makes about 8, so the ones you don't use can be frozen and reheated for later meals. I had one fall apart on my first try, so I ate it the next day crumbled with spaghetti sauce and quinoa noodles for a good meat free Italian dinner. :)

This recipe DOES contain an egg, so if you are casein free or truly vegan, you will need to sub something else. Possibly some olive oil or bean paste of some sort would do the trick! If you find any good options, feel free to comment below. Use organic and/or locally sourced ingredients when possible :)

Without further ado, here's the recipe!

HOMEMADE MEATLESS BURGERS:

1 cup water

1/2 cup quinoa

1 tbsp olive oil (or other plant based oil)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cups (approx) finely chopped mushrooms, I used white button

1 tsp minced garlic (I used garlic paste)

1/4 tsp dried oregano

Dash sea salt

1 egg

1 cup cooked mashed black beans

1/3 cup quick cooking oats

1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

Rinse quinoa and combine with water in a saucepan. Bring to boil and reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat let sit covered for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool. 

Cook and mash the black beans, or mash a can of drained and rinsed black beans. 

Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet pan and sauté the onions about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, oregano, and salt. Sauté another 5 minutes or so until everything is tender. Set aside to cool. 

In a bowl, beat the egg, then add the quinoa, beans, onion/mushroom mixture, oats and soy sauce. Mix until well combined. 

Place a piece of parchment paper on the counter. Using 1/2 cup scoops, form the mixture into pressed patties. (I used the Tupperware hamburger ring and press shown in the pics). Slide a top part of a broiler pan under the parchment paper and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until browned and crispy. 

Allow to cool for a few minutes and use like a burger, or crumble in a bowl while still warm for a good ground beef substitute! Allow extras to cool and then later between wax paper and freeze for later use. (I plan on reheating in a cooking sprayed skillet, just like the store bought ones!)

Enjoy! Until next time, Ciao!

Michelle

Shrimp fried rice- cheap! With a soy free option!!

In honor of my friend, here is a cheap dinner that is dairy free and gluten free and has an option to be SOY FREE!!! 

All prices are as of August 2014. 

2 cups dry rice, prepared to make 4 cups+ .... About $.50

1/2 pound salad shrimp... $2.35

12 oz Frozen peas and carrots... $1.09

2 eggs... $.33 to .65 (depending on what eggs you buy)

Prepared soy sauce or THIS SOY FREE SOY SAUCE RECIPE!!... $.50

http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2012/05/homemade-soy-sauce-soy-free-soy-sauce.html?m=1

Prepare the rice. In a large wok pan or skillet, heat 1/4 cup of oil (I used certified organic canola oil, but safflower oil would be a good GMO FREE alternative) over high heat. Put rice and frozen veggies in pan and stir around to combine... Should be frying!! Add shrimp undrained and "some" soy sauce. Fry until everything is hot and combined. Make a well in rice in the center of the pan all the way to the metal. Put scrambled eggs in the well and stir until fully set. Mix the whole thing again, adding some soy sauce if desired. Serve it up!! Total for 4 big servings... $4.77!!! 

Quick, easy, and cheaper than takeout! Enjoy! -Michelle :)