BBQ Beet Burgers |

The season for burgers is upon us, folks. I’ve been waiting for it for a year now, and it’s finally here. It’s time to get your hands messy, make a few burgers, and grill out.

I went to the Farmer’s Market last week and bought beets. Now, to be totally honest, I’ve never cooked a beet in my life. I made some Chocolate Beet Cupcakes, (successfully, I might add!) then had one beet left over and no idea what to do with it. So I immediately turned to Google for the answer: Beet Burgers. After looking at a few recipes, this is what I came up with!

BBQ BEET BURGERS
Yields 4 patties

Ingredients

1/2 cup grated beets
1/2 cup cooked oats
1 cup uncooked oats
3 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 Tablespoons BBQ Sauce (I used Montgomery Inn)
1/2 an onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns
Kale, for topping
More BBQ Sauce, for topping

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

Chill mixture for at least 30 minutes.

Using your hands, form patties (about 3 inches in diameter). Place patties 2 at a time in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until the patty begins to brown. Flip and repeat.

Serve over toasted bread or hamburger buns, topped with kale and BBQ Sauce.

THE REVIEW

I don’t know if I’ve ever met a veggie burger I didn’t like, but I’m not sure that I’ve ever met a burger that I’m completely in love with. That is until now. This burger is very unique because it’s sweet. With the beets, the BBQ Sauce, and the peanut butter, this burger has a sweet flavor to it, complimented by the tang and spiciness of onions, garlic, and mustard.

I really liked topping my burger with Kale because it added a course texture to the soft burger. It also added a nice crisp, clean flavor.

You can also crumble the beet burger mixture up, saute in a skillet for a few minutes, and serve over a bed of kale, for a slightly lighter meal.

It’s kind of eerie how pink these burgers are, like a rare steak or something. But- they’re totally vegan!

I’m so excited I get to eat the leftovers! All by myself. 🙂