Disclosure: I received free samples from Nature’s Earthly Choice to develop this post. All opinions expressed are my own. JUMP TO RECIPE
Plant-based eating has been getting a lot of buzz lately as more and more research supports its association with a lower risk of many chronic diseases. If you’re a meat lover who is concerned about your health you might not want to hear this. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these savory, delicious, Curried Black Rice Veggie Burgers. I won’t claim these burgers taste exactly like ones made with meat, but if you believe the expression “we taste with our eyes first”, then perhaps your stomach will be tricked into believing you’re eating beef burgers! Over the years I’ve come across lots of recipes for veggie burgers but never one where the patties look almost identical to beef burgers, as they do here (check out the picture below). This is due to the recipe’s key ingredient – black rice, which, color aside, has some amazing health benefits.
Black rice is high in a particularly powerful type of antioxidant called anthocyanin (also found in blueberries and blackberries). Anthocyanin is thought to boost brain function and is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. It’s also a good source of Vitamin E, fiber, and iron. Black rice has a rich and interesting history. This ancient grain has been a staple crop of nearly every Asian population for thousands of years. It’s sometimes referred to as “forbidden rice” because it was once reserved for emperors, and other noble Chinese men, and its consumption by commoners forbidden. Thankfully black rice is now widely available to everyone and is as versatile as it is delicious. Its slightly sweet, nutty taste provides the perfect base for these Curried Black Rice Veggie Burgers.
You can serve Curried Black Rice Veggie Burgers however you like. For an authentic beef burger experience put them on brioche buns with traditional burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup), as pictured. But for a lighter meal, try them without a bun and some avocado mayonnaise and sun-dried tomatoes on top.
If you’re trying to eat a mostly plant-based diet these Curried Black Rice Veggie Burgers will be right up your alley. Eating food made from plants seems simple enough but unfortunately not all plant-based food is created equal so it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the plant foods you chose. Many foods made from plants are highly processed, void of key nutrients, and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, which, over time, can lead to heart disease and diabetes. A good rule of thumb is to eat plant foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. These include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy oils like olive oil and avocado oil. Most of the ingredients in Curried Black Rice Veggie Burgers fall into these healthy food groups – black rice (whole grains), spinach, red onion, garlic (vegetables), chickpeas (legumes), and avocado oil (healthy oils). So next time you crave a burger, try these instead and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be missing those beef burgers a little less.
If you make Curried Black Rice Veggie Burgers don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me over on Instagram @QueenofMyKitchen. I’d love to see your creation!
- ½ cup Earthly Choice black rice
- 2 cups (2½ ounces) baby spinach
- 1 – 15½ ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons curry
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Combine the black rice and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until all the water is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
- Place the baby spinach into the work bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times until roughly chopped. Add the cooked rice along with the remaining ingredients (except the avocado oil) and process until the mixture is well combined.
- Shape into 5 patties about 5½ ounces each and freeze.
- Pan fry the frozen burgers in avocado oil over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
- If desired serve on a bun with and toppings of your choice.
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