Enjoy meatless burgers with this tasty recipe for hearty and healthy burgers made out of split peas, onions, peppers, garlic, mushrooms and bread crumbs.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 to 2 additional tbsps for sauteing
115 g chopped onion
115 g chopped pepper
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tsps minced garlic
115 g mushrooms, sliced
680 ml vegetable broth
225 g dry split peas, picked and rinsed
115 g dry brown rice
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
170 g plain dry bread crumbs, plus 56 g for coating

(As always, use organic content as much as possible for the healthiest recipe.)

Directions:

1) Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large (4½ to 7 litre) saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper along with a generous pinch of salt. Sweat for 5 minutes or until the onions are soft. Add the garlic and mushrooms and continue to cook for another 4 minutes.

2) Add the broth, peas, rice, coriander and cumin. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Decrease heat to low, cover and cook at a simmer for 1 hour or until the rice and peas are tender.

3) Remove from the heat and gently pour the mixture into the bowl of a food processor and process until just combined.* Do not puree. Pour this mixture into a bowl and stir in the 170 g of bread crumbs. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4) Shape the mixture into patties and dredge on each side in the remaining 56 g of bread crumbs. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add 2 burgers at a time and saute until brown on each side, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. To griddle, cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes per side as well. Serve immediately.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Suggestions:

If you like your "burgers" with a bit of extra spice and smoke flavoring, try adding a bit of Tabasco's Chipotle Pepper Sauce.

For another healthy and super tasty meatless burger recipe, see:

Burger in the Raw