Meatless Mondays - Hummus Burgers

I first brought you Meatless Mondays last week, a commenter named Joey, informed me that there is a public health initiative in place, called Meatless Mondays.  According to Joey, "The Meatless Monday mission is to help prevent rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer- the four leading causes of death in the US; all preventable."  There is a website for recipes, tips, etc. accessible at www.meatlessmondays.com.  I am sure I will be trying many recipes in Mondays to come. 

For now, I am showcasing what I call, Hummus Burgers.  Named, because, the ingredients are really quite like making hummus.  Chickpeas, garlic, lemon, olive oil, etc.  I came up with this recipe by loosely following the popular Chickpea Cutlets, in Veganomican, by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero.  I have changed so much compared to the original recipe, that I think I can call them my own.  First, I decided to make them higher in protein by skipping the bread crumbs and adding protein powder instead.  I also skipped the sage and thyme, to keep the flavor more neutral.  Instead, I add cilantro, parsley,or basil depending on my mood.  Because I like mushrooms, I also add a few sliced mushrooms. 

Just a disclaimer:  these are not meant to be a substitute for a hamburger.  I think if one has that mind set, you'll be disappointed.  In my opinion, that is why many people don't like some of the different variations of "veggie" burgers out there.  Instead, look at these as a delicious, meat-free sandwich filling rounded out with lettuce and tomato.  Or, how about slicing into strips and topping an Asian Salad in place of chicken?  Or maybe a healthy version of falafel stuffed into a pita with yogurt sauce? 

Please forgive the boring picture.  I wanted to show a simple version of what these look like coming out of the oven.  I forgot to take "final" photos of the sandwich.  But, then, that can be a future post...    :-D

"Hummus Burgers"

1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2/3 cup vital wheat gluten

1/4 cup plain flavored soy protein powder (whey protein powder is fine too.)

2-3 sliced mushrooms.

2 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 tsp. paprika

herbs, as desired

In food processor, pulse chickpeas until no whole chickpeas are left.  Transer to a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients.  Mix together and "knead" a few minutes until well mixed and almost doughy in consistency.

Preheat oven to 375.  Bake on lightly oiled baking sheet for 15 minutes.  Flip patties, and bake an additional 8-10 minutes.