Recipe: Basic Vegetarian Burgers with 5 Variations (Herb, Cheeseburgers, Deluxe, Smothered, and Mushroom)

BASIC VEGETARIAN BURGERS WITH VARIATIONS

1 (12 oz) pkg frozen prebrowned vegetable protein crumbles,* thawed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
vegetable cooking spray
TO SERVE:
6 whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
condiments: ketchup, mustard, onion, pickles, etc.

Combine vegetable protein crumbles, eggs, bread crumbs, and onion; shape mixture into 6 burgers.

Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Cook burgers until browned, about 5 minutes on each side.

Serve in buns with condiments.

VARIATIONS:

HERB SEASONED BURGERS:
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of herbs such as Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, or sage to the burger mixture.

CHEESEBURGERS:
Top browned burgers with 1 slice of reduced fat Cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese. Cover skillet and cook over medium-low heat until cheese is melted, about 3 to 4 minutes.

BURGERS DELUXE:
Add 1/4 cup chopped green or red bell pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs to the burger mixture. Serve cooked burgers in toasted buns topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion slices.

SMOTHERED BURGERS:
Thinly slice 1 large onion, cook in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat until very soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Serve over burgers.

MUSHROOM BURGERS:
Saute 2 to 3 cups sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large skillet until tender, 5 to 8 minutes, season to taste with salt & pepper. Spoon over burgers.

*Morningstar Farms Recipe Crumbles is one brand. This product is sold in the frozen foods section by the breakfast products (waffles, etc.).

Servings: 6
Adapted from source: 1,001 Low Fat Vegetarian Recipes