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Scarborough Fair Tofu Burger

2.9

(3)

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Scarborough Fair Tofu BurgerRockport Publishers

Wheat Free

If there was ever a reason to call a veggie burger hippie food, then this burger fits the bill. Inspired by watching The Drug Years on VH1 and, of course, dear and sweet Simon & Garfunkel, these burgers are sure to please your peace-lovin' pals. Normally, I advocate the use of fresh herbs, but for this one, dried ones work best. I also tend to overspice things, so please, unless you really like the flavors of these herbs, feel free to cut the amounts down.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 Burgers

Ingredients

1 tablespoon (2 g) dried parsley
1 tablespoon (2 g) dried sage
1 tablespoon (2 g) dried rosemary
1 tablespoon (2 g) dried thyme
12 ounces (340 g) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 cup (96 g) TVP granules
1 cup (235 ml) vegetable broth
2 tablespoons (30 g) minced garlic
2 1/2 tablespoons (19 g) ground flaxseed mixed with
3 tablespoons (45 ml) water
1/4 cup (32 g) hulled sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (32 g) hulled pumpkin seeds
Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Grind the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme into a fine powder. I use a coffee grinder for this.

    Step 2

    In a mixing bowl, crumble the tofu and mix well with the spice mixture so that the herbs are well infused with the tofu. Let sit for the flavors to meld.

    Step 3

    In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the TVP granules and the broth, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and microwave for 5 to 6 minutes. Alternatively, bring the broth to a boil, pour over the TVP, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.

    Step 4

    When cool enough to handle, add the TVP to the tofu mixture, then add the minced garlic, flaxseed mixture, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix with your hands until all the ingredients are very well incorporated. The mixture will be nice and smooth, and should form lovely burgers. Shape into 6 patties. Refrigerate until ready to cook, although refrigeration isn't necessary if you plan on cooking them right away.

    Step 5

    I recommend baking these rather than frying. It just seems that this burger is too healthy to fry. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4) and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Bake, covered with a foil tent, for 15 minutes per side.

From The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet: 101 Globally Inspired Vegan Creations Packed with Fresh Flavors and Exciting New Tastes by Joni Marie Newman. Text © 2011 by Joni Marie Newman; photography © 2011 Rockport Publishers. Published by Fair Winds Press.

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