Lettuce-Wrapped BBQ Quinoa, Kale & Corn Veggie Burgers With Old Bay Cheddar – Recipe

Let’s be clear: The kale craze isn’t going anywhere. Not only is it high in vitamins A, C and E, iron, fiber and calcium, the curly green helps fill you up fast, and is as versatile as any ingredient could be.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe makes 6 hearty patties. They’re great to make ahead and freeze for later; stack with parchment paper in between each patty. They’re best baked in the oven, but they’re awesome when reheated on the grill. To make this vegan, omit the cheese and use and egg substitute. Store-bought BBQ sauce can be loaded with extra preservatives, dyes and sugars, so consider making your own.

Burger Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 2 ears of corn, about 1 cup kernels
  • 2 large leafs of lacinato (aka Tuscan or black) kale, ribs removed
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onions
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 farm fresh eggs
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free, whole wheat, or all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce
  • generous pinch of sea salt
  • coarsely ground pepper, to taste
  • Burger Accoutrements:
  • Old Bay infused Cheddar (or any cheddar plus a few shakes of Old Bay Seasoning will do!)
  • a full head of Boston, bibb or green leaf lettuce
  • thinly sliced red onion
  • extra barbecue sauce
  • avocado slices, sprouts, etc.
  • ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, etc.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over low heat. Toss in finely chopped kale, onions, and corn kernels. Season with a pinch of salt and twist of ground pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes over a low-medium flame, stirring occasionally.

In  a large bowl, combine quinoa with the kale and corn mixture. Beat eggs in a small bowl. Add the eggs, barbecue sauce and flour to the burger mixture; combine thoroughly.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the veggie burger mixture into 6 equal parts. (It will be very sticky/goopy. Don’t worry; they’ll come together perfectly in the oven.) Do your best to shape the patties. You may find it easier to make a ball, drop it on the sheet and gently press to form a patty.

Bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and bake for another 5 – 7 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. If you are using cheese, top the burgers with cheese and broil until melty.

To assemble, wrap the burgers in the lettuce and top with all your favorites- including more barbecue sauce.

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