Umami Burger

Earth Burger

After hearing all the hype, I finally tasted Umami’s Earth Burger. Many good things have been written about this mushroom & edamame patty that it was hard not to have high expectations. Would this burger finally change the way I view veggie burgers? Would I actually enjoy it?

photo taken from AXEL KOESTER NYT

When I received my $11 Earth Burger, I was a bit surprised. I read on several reviews that it had a meaty color. Being a lifelong veg and seeing all kinds of veggie meats, it still managed to fool me.

I took my first bite and waited for that umami sensation to take over my body.

from Umami Info Center

Sadly, it didn’t.

The only taste was salty. Maybe I just had an extremely over salted patty? Or maybe my salt tolerance is extremely low.

All the effort put into making the veggie burger made me want to love it. They didn’t just give me the usual freezer dried Gardenburgers or Bocas; they actually made something for me. I might give it another shot, but not anytime soon.

Truffled Beet Salad

What I definitely would go back for is the Truffled Beet Salad ($7). It’s amazing! It’s served with ricotta cheese, smoked almonds, wild baby arugula and truffle dressing.

Nothing was overwhelming besides the truffle, but that’s a good thing.

truffled beet salad

Southwest Jalapeno Burger

This was my first time making veggie patties and they tasted delicious! I adapted this recipe from multiple sources. It works in a sandwich, an afternoon snack or even as new addition to breakfast.

I love sandwiches, but they can be so plain. I always eat mine with a little something extra to give it that flavor boost or an element of surprise. This patty is great alone, but why not dress it up?

I wanted to go with the southwest theme, but give it a twist. I’ve had tons of sandwiches with avocado, but never an avocado spread. Below, I made a chunky avocado spread with baby heirlooms, parsley, cilantro and a touch of honey.

This spread goes great in sandwiches, on crackers and salads.

Let’s start with the patty.

Southwest Jalapeno Patty

Serving Size: 1 patty/person; ~4-5 depending on how you shape

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans- preferably salt-free
• 1 jalapeno
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 bell pepper (any color)
• 1 small onion or 1/2 an onion
• 4 mushrooms (optional)
• 1/2 cup of oats
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tbsp of cumin
• 2 tbsp of bragg’s liquid amino
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp of water

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Step 2

Drain canned beans and pour in a large mixing bowl

Step 3

In a food processor, add oats and pulse till coarse to fine. Consistency should be similar to kosher salt. Set aside.

Step 4

In food processor, add jalapeno, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic and onion. Pulse till ingredients look coarsely chopped. Add to mixing bowl with beans.

Step 5

Mash all ingredients together with fork. Most beans should be smashed.

Step 6

In a bowl add eggs, bragg’s, sugar and pepper. Beat!

Step 7

Add the oats to the bean mixture then pour in the egg mixture. Mix! Then add cornstarch mixture. Mix!

Step 8

Shape patties and place on lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes total. 10 minutes on each side.

Should be lightly browned on both side

Step 9

Serve and enjoy! Be sure to check out the Chunky Avocado Spread. Great on the burger, sandwiches and salads!