Veggie Burger Using Pistachios

Vegetarian burgers have become very popular in recent years. Many restaurants have added the “Impossible Burger” to their menus. These are an easy solution if you are trying to limit your meat consumption but still crave the consistency of a hamburger every now and then. They aren’t for everyone though because they are made from soy. Many people are encouraged to avoid soy for a variety of reasons. If you are craving a delicious veggie burger and are up for making your own, Chef Bob Blumer has a fantastic recipe using pistachios for you to try.

Chef Bob Blumer is a gastronaut, artist, and eight-time, food-based Guinness World Record holder. Bob Blumer is the creator and host of the television series Surreal Gourmet, and Glutton for Punishment, and a producer and host of World’s Weirdest Restaurants. His shows air on various networks in over twenty countries worldwide. American Pistachio Growers work with Bob to create delicious recipes containing pistachios. Below is his take on a Veggie Burger.

EL DIABLO PISTACHIO GARDEN BURGER
BY BOB BLUMER

YIELD
4 generous burgers, or 12 kid-friendly sliders. Advance work: Patties can be made a day in advance. Plan-overs: Uncooked patties will last in the refrigerator for three days, or in the freezer for six months.

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ head of broccoli, cut into spears
• 1 small onion, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 1 cup parsley (curly or flat leaf)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup panko or breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup of butter beans, lima beans, or navy beans, drained
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 airy burger buns (ideally brioche), or 12 slider buns
• 1 avocado (optional)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• 8 Thai chilis (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Add broccoli, onion, carrots, and jalapeno to a large bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil and toss. Set veggies on a sheet pan and roast for 20 – 30 minutes, turning once, until they begin to brown. Reserve.
3. To a food processor, add pistachios. Blend until they break down into teeny pieces. Add roasted veggies and pulse several times. Add parsley and garlic and pulse several more times. Add egg, breadcrumbs, beans, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few more times until all the ingredients are well incorporated (but stop before the mixture starts to get too airy). Form mixture into patties—just as you would a hamburger.
4. In a frying pan over medium/medium-high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add patties. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, covered, or until lightly crusted and cooked throughout.
5. Serve on toasted buns with mashed avocado and mayonnaise. Finish each burger with 2 Thai chilis (but don’t eat them!)

This sounds super healthy, but yummy as well. The best part, you know what’s in your veggie burger!

Cheers to getting more plant-based foods in your diet!

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico.  They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines.  Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings.  They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts.  The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.