Black Quinoa, Cauliflower and Golden Lentil Burger with Asian Pear Slaw and Hoisin Ketchup

vegan-burger-with-quinoa-and-lentils

“I just called to say I love you!” Our BLACK QUINOA, CAULIFLOWER and GOLDEN LENTIL BURGER with an ASIAN PEAR SLAW and HOISIN KETCHUP is a Possible Addition to Plant-Based Superstar “Little Stevie’s” Burger Rotation…and may just have you feeling like…SIR DUKE!

Ingredients for Burgers

  • 1 cup cooked Black Quinoa
  • 3/4 cup cooked Golden Lentils
  • 1/2 cup diced steamed Cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup diced Orange Pepper sautéed and cooled
  • 1 cup cooked Shiitake mushroom choppedBLACK-QUINOA,-CAULIFLOWER-and-GOLDEN-LENTIL-BURGER-with-an-ASIAN-PEAR-SLAW-and-HOISIN-KETCHUP
  • 1/2 cup diced shallots sautéed and cooled
  • 3/4 -1 cup V Breadcrumbs
  • 2-3 tbsp pure pumpkin
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 handful chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped thyme

Ingredients for Slaw

  • 1/2 Asian Pear..thin sliced
  • 1/2 lime juice and zest
  • 1/4 medium red onion thin sliced
  • few sprigs chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 orange pepper thin sliced
  • 1/4 bulb of fennel thin sliced
  • splash rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions for slaw

In a large bowl combine all ingredients and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Directions for Burgers

In a large bowl starting with Quinoa..add each ingredient and incorporate well after each. Mixture should hold together well and not be too wet or dry. Form into patties. Heat a well greased grill medium heat and cook approx 3 minutes per side. Burgers should show grill marks…Enjoy!

Tips: Avocado Or Guacamole make a terrific topping addition. Serve with crispy sweet potato fries. Do not overheat grill.

-Ron

So… You Are Invited To A BBQ and You’re Eating Vegan… Now What?!

fireworks at a bbq

Don’t worry… if you’re invited to a bbq and you’re eating vegan just follow my lead!

Independence Day is just the kick-off to a BBQ-filled summer for many of us… which to me, means a super fun times with my friends and loved ones!

Have you ever experienced something like this? As you are being invited to a BBQ, the invitation ends with an uncomfortable, “Oh yeah, but you don’t eat meat!” Sometimes it even seems like the person feels badly about having even asked! But here’s the deal… A BBQ does not have to be synonymous with a meat-eating extravaganza! I look at BBQs as an opportunity to spend time with friends, meet new people, play volleyball (there is often a beach v-ball court around here in South Beach), have a few drinks, a lot of laughs, and share my vegan lifestyle simply by being present and being me!

So when I am invited to a BBQ, I get the details first because for me, a pig skewered over a fire pit is simply beyond the boundaries of what I am able to handle! (But for some of you who are vegan strictly for the health benefits, this might not be a problem!) Then, if I accept the invitation, I of course offer to bring some food, which is never turned down. And the friend usually realizes at that point that they are also planning on cooking up some veggies anyway!

grilling veggie burgers at a bbqIf you enjoy preparing food, then please, have fun making your home-made vegan patties, potato salad, coleslaw, and whatever else you are craving! There are tons of awesome recipes out there to try!

Since I am not much of a cook however, I usually grab veggie burgers and vegan hot dogs to bring, as well as baby carrots, celery (I chop ahead of time) and hummus. My top vegan picks to bring  are:

– Amy’s California & Bistro Burgers (Great tasting, satisfying to meat-eaters and vegans alike, plus the California one is gluten free!
– Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle (love adding avocado to this one)
– Lightlife Jumbo Smart Dogs (Perfect hot dog sub and Gluten Free as well!)
– Vegenaise, Low Fat  (Texture and taste are both fantastic.)
– Daiya Cheese Slices (cheddar, provolone, and swiss options.)

Believe it or not both the faux meats and the veggies and hummus are almost always a hit at the party!

Now relax & have a blast!!!

And if anyone has links to recipes you have tried and love, feel free to post a comment to share!