Spinach Burgers

Spinach Burgers Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Meal with Cumin and Lemon Juice

| Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meat burgers. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, these burgers are a great option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. In this recipe, we combine garbanzo beans, fresh spinach, and flavorful spices to create a tasty and satisfying meal.

History

Spinach burgers have been a popular dish in vegetarian and vegan cuisine for many years. The combination of garbanzo beans and spinach provides a hearty and flavorful base for the burgers, while the addition of tahini and lemon juice adds a tangy and creamy element. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic dish, making it perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz or 425 g) of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup of packed chopped fresh spinach
2 scallions (white and light green parts), sliced
1 clove of garlic, crushed
0.25 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tbsp of tahini
1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
0.13 tsp of ground cumin
1 to 2 tsp of olive oil
4 pita pockets
8 pepperoncini peppers, drained and sliced (discard stems and seeds)
1 large tomato, chopped
0.5 cucumber, peeled and sliced

How to prepare

1. In a food processor, combine garbanzo beans, spinach, scallions, garlic, and flour. Pulse on/off several times to blend well. Add salt and pepper to taste and process briefly. Shape the mixture into 4 patties about 0.5 inch thick.
2. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, cumin, and salt to taste. Set aside.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side, adding a little more oil if necessary.
4. Cut the pita breads in half. Cut the burgers in half and place them in the pita breads. Spoon pepperoncini, tomatoes, and cucumbers over the burgers and drizzle with the reserved tahini sauce.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the burger mixture for extra flavor.
Swap out the garbanzo beans for black beans or lentils for a different twist on the recipe.
Top the burgers with avocado slices or feta cheese for a creamy and tangy addition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and drain the garbanzo beans thoroughly before using them in the recipe.

- Pulse the ingredients in the food processor just enough to blend them together, being careful not to over-process the mixture.

- Cook the burgers in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.

- Serve the burgers in pita pockets for a convenient and portable meal option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spinach burgers in pita pockets with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also top the burgers with your favorite condiments, such as hummus or tzatziki sauce, for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to blend the ingredients together quickly and evenly.

- Cook the burgers in a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

- Serve the burgers in pita pockets for a convenient and portable meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned black beans or lentils in place of garbanzo beans.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour if you have a gluten allergy.

- Swap out the tahini for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the burger mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it easy to have a quick and healthy meal ready to go when you need it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spinach burgers on a platter with a variety of colorful toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of tahini sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spinach burgers with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea would also complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover spinach burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the burgers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spinach burgers contains approximately 250 calories. This makes them a satisfying and filling meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spinach burgers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of spinach burgers contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this recipe come from healthy sources such as olive oil and tahini, which can help support heart health and provide essential fatty acids.

Proteins

Each serving of spinach burgers contains approximately 10 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients play a key role in supporting immune function, vision health, and energy production.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and sesame from the tahini. If you have a gluten or sesame allergy, be sure to use gluten-free flour and omit the tahini from the recipe.

Summary

Overall, spinach burgers are a nutritious and delicious meal option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet.

Summary

Spinach burgers are a tasty and nutritious meal option that is easy to make and full of flavor. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, these burgers are a great choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. Serve them in pita pockets with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spinach Burgers. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Martha was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit by the delicious aroma of herbs and spices. Martha was standing by the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling tomato sauce and humming a tune under her breath. I watched in awe as she expertly chopped vegetables and measured out ingredients with precision.

"Hello there, my dear," Martha greeted me with a warm smile. "I'm just trying out a new recipe for Spinach Burgers. Would you like to help me out?"

I eagerly agreed, and Martha handed me a cutting board and a knife. As she explained the steps of the recipe to me, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each ingredient and technique she used. The combination of fresh spinach, garlic, onions, and breadcrumbs sounded intriguing, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

We worked together for hours, shaping the spinach mixture into patties and frying them to a crispy perfection. The kitchen was filled with the sizzle of hot oil and the chatter of two friends catching up on life. By the time we sat down to eat our Spinach Burgers, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

The first bite was a revelation. The flavors of the spinach and herbs melded together in perfect harmony, creating a burst of freshness and earthiness in my mouth. The crispy exterior gave way to a tender, flavorful interior that left me craving for more.

"Martha, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, my mouth full of food. "How did you come up with this recipe?"

Martha chuckled and wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Oh, I can't take credit for this one, dear. I learned it from an old Italian friend of mine who used to make these Spinach Burgers for her family. She taught me the secret of using just the right amount of seasoning and letting the flavors marinate together for a while before cooking."

I was fascinated by the story behind the recipe and the tradition of passing down culinary skills from one generation to another. Martha went on to tell me about the different variations of Spinach Burgers she had tried over the years, from classic Italian recipes to modern twists with exotic spices and ingredients.

From that day on, Spinach Burgers became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on lazy weekends. Each time I cooked them, I would think back to that summer day in Martha's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new favorite dish.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own touches and variations to make it truly my own. I would use different types of cheese, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds, or even substitute the spinach with other leafy greens for a fresh twist.

No matter how many times I made Spinach Burgers, they never failed to bring a smile to my face and a sense of nostalgia for that special day with Martha. The recipe became more than just a dish – it became a treasured memory of friendship, learning, and shared moments of joy.

And so, dear reader, I pass on this recipe to you with the hope that it will bring you as much happiness and culinary delight as it has brought me over the years. May you savor each bite of these Spinach Burgers and create your own memories of good food, good friends, and good times. Bon appétit!