If you are wanting the taste of a delicious home-made, yet meat-less burger, don’t overlook the modest Mushroom Burger.
Mushrooms, particularly the big, brown Portobello mushrooms can be delicious cooked whole and served. They are so ‘meaty’ with regards to texture that way.
Simply place your whole Portobello mushroom skin-side up in a dish and marinate with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and herbs (turning several times) for around 15 minutes. Grill on a hot pan or BBQ for 5 minutes each side, basting as you go.
If you’d prefer a grilled Mushroom Pattie it’s easy to make and pretty much prepared as one would use mince. ‘Quorn’ (which is a dried mushroom meat substitute) is perfect for this although very expensive in New Zealand. You can use fresh mushrooms instead of course.
This is how I made mine:
The Mushroom Pattie
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500g pack of mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon (or 1 clove) minced garlic
- salt and pepper
- generous amounts of fresh herbs (coriander, parsley), chopped
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1-1.5 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
Heat olive oil in a large fry pan, add mushrooms, onion, garlic, season with salt and pepper. Sautee until the mushrooms for around 10 minutes (during this time they will release their juice and it will almost evaporate). Stir through fresh herbs and pine nuts.
Take off heat and transfer to a large bowl. Mix in bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs. Allow the egg to be soaked into the crumbs to soak up any excess moisture (allow 15 minutes). If you wish you can refrigerate this mix ready for cooking at a later time, or prepare to cook immediately. When ready moisten your hands with a little water (to help stop sticking), scoop out around 1/4 cup of mixture and form into burger patties.
To cook, heat around 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the fry pan/skillet and cook until browned (approx 5 minutes either side).
Serve with your usual burger accessories -lettuce, cheese, tomato, avocado, relish and enjoy!
