I admit it! I have been a real hard sell on the subject of veggie burgers. I have tried to like them, especially since two of my daughters are vegetarian, — I was certain that one of them could direct me to a veggie burger that I liked. Nope, wasn’t going to happen. I don’t get it; what’s not to like? I love stuff on buns and I love most veggies. But, a veggie burger just seemed wrong.
It’s not a texture thing with me, really. I know that is a problem for many. The mouth “feel” isn’t quite right with a burger that doesn’t contain meat. But, I do like a lot of things on buns that don’t have the same physical properties of a meat burger, so why would this be different?
Then it happened, in a really indirect way! I ordered a tostado salad at a Pollo Loco and discovered, to my horror!, — rice! I happen to like rice very much. “But”, I exclaimed, “not in my salad! I hate when rice gets put in a salad, or inside a burrito, or in a veggie burger…”.
That was it! I couldn’t find a veggie burger I liked because most contain rice, — and rice, in my opinion, does NOT belong on bread.
And here begins my Quest. I will find a recipe for the Perfect Veggie Burger, one that most certainly will not contain rice!
Melissa d’Arabian’s Black Bean “Nacho” Burger
Black Bean Veggie Burger with Chipotle Honey Mustard