I’m super excited about these burgers. At last a vegetarian burger that celebrates one of my favourite veggies. The yoghurt sauce is super simple and a great thing to have up your sleeve. It’s amazing what a little salt and pepper can do to a good quality natural yoghurt.
enough for: 2
Takes: 15 minutes
2 zucchini, grated
75g (3oz) ground almonds
1 egg
4 tablespoons natural yoghurt
1 bag baby spinach leaves
1. Combine zucchini, almonds and egg in a large bowl. Season and using your hands form into 2 patties and place on a large plate.
2. Heat a pan on a medium heat. Add a little oil and carefully slide the burgers into the pan.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, being super careful when you turn because the burgers do have a tendency to fall apart. Burgers are done when they’re a deep golden brown colour on both sides.
4. Meanwhile, season yoghurt generously with salt and pepper to make the sauce.
5. Serve burgers on a bed of baby spinach with yoghurt sauce drizzled over.
Variations
nut-free – replace the almond meal with soft bread crumbs.
egg-free – the egg is really critical here, so don’t be tempted to substitute egg replacers.
carnivore – serve with some crisp bacon on top or make beef burgers instead.
dairy-free – replace the yoghurt sauce with a tahini sauce by combining equal parts of tahini, water and lemon juice. OR serve with a nut based pesto.
carb lovers / more substantial – serve on burger buns.
more substantial (low carb) – add some mayo + almonds.
more veg – serve with salad veg like cherry tomatoes, grated carrot and beets.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
zucchini – will keep in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few weeks. Not great frozen.
almonds – pantry.
egg, yoghurt – keeps for weeks in the fridge.
baby spinach – best to use for another meal. Can be frozen but will wilt when defrosted.
Problem Solving Guide
burgers burning – keep an eye on the temperature, it’s easy to cook the burgers too quickly so they over brown before the middles have a chace to cook through.
burgers falling apart – if the burger isn’t cooked for long enough on the first side to form a crust, it will crumble when you try to turn it. Next time make sure the burger has started to form a crust before attempting to move it.
bland – remember to season the burgers well before forming into patties. A little salt sprinkled over the finished burgers will help.
Prepare Ahead?
The burgers could be mixed up ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. OR cook the burgers then reheat in a medium pan before serving.
Leftover Potential
Will keep in the fridge for a week or more.
Serving Suggestions
Makes a wonderful simple meal on it’s own.