When people think of summer time and cooking, one thing that tends to come to mind is barbecuing. Although the plethora of meats available is appealing, for some lighter fare or just to try something new veggie burgers are an option as well. 

There are frozen, pre-made options, but creating homemade versions can be both fun and easily personalized! Add baked pickle chips for extra flavor.

Homemade Veggie Burgers

Serving size: Approx. 4 to 5 patties

Ingredients

Black beans ½ cup

Oats – 1 cup

Chickpeas ½ cup

Corn – ¾ cup

Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

Red wine vinegar – 1 tablespoon

Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves

Cumin – 1 tablespoon

Salt & pepper to taste

Water – 1 tablespoon, or more if mixture isn’t sticky enough

Optional add-ins

Onion

Carrot slivers

Diced tomatoes

Red or green pepper

Black olives

Any other vegetable of your choice

Topping recommendations

Avocado

Barbeque sauce

Mustard

Salsa

Ranch dressing

How to make

After gathering all the ingredients, place everything into a mixing bowl and grab your masher. A potato masher works perfectly in this case, to mash the beans. 

After utilizing the masher to its fullest potential, it’s time to use your hands. Before forming the patties, run your fingers through the mixture to ensure that all of the black beans and chickpeas are mashed.

You can form the patties to your size liking. With the given amounts above, one should be able to get 4 to 5 patties out of the mixture.

Finally, depending on grill access, one can place the patties on the grill or into a sauté pan doused in olive oil. Grilling for a few minutes each side will give a crispy texture while keeping the inside soft.  Remove from the grill and allow cooling for a minute or two.

Baked Pickle Chips

Baked pickle chips are the healthier, homemade alternative to fried pickles. Whether you’re thinking of adding these on top of your veggie burger or just as an appetizer, they are delicious regardless.

Ingredients

Pickles – 20 to 25

Eggs – 2  

Flour – 1 cup

Breadcrumbs – 1 cup

Set the oven to 350 degrees F and coat a baking pan in non-stick spray.

With a fork, mix the eggs and flour together until fully combined. Lay the pickles out on a paper towel and pat dry.

After the pickles are dry, take one at a time and dip first into the flour/egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs. Place onto baking pan.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. After allowing them to cool, they can become a topping to any burger or sandwich or serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.