Gardenburger Original Veggie Patty (Copycat)

My childhood was filled with experimenting in the kitchen, often with mixed results. I remember one particular summer afternoon when I decided to surprise my vegetarian aunt with a homemade burger. The Gardenburger was her absolute favorite, and I was determined to recreate it. It was an ambitious endeavor for a young cook, but the smoky aroma that filled the kitchen as I pan-fried those patties, and the look of pure delight on her face when she took that first bite, made every moment worthwhile. This recipe aims to recapture that veggie burger magic, offering a delicious, plant-based option that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 patties
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (Can be made Vegan by omitting dairy cheese and using a vegan cheese alternative)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons bulgur wheat
• 1 pound button mushrooms, quartered
• 1 cup diced onion (red, yellow, or green)
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅔ cup cooked brown rice
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Cooking spray (olive oil)

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Steamer
• Food processor
• Large bowl
• Large skillet
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Begin by hydrating the bulgur wheat. In a small bowl, combine the bulgur wheat with ¼ cup of water. Allow it to sit for a full 60 minutes, during which time the wheat will absorb the water and approximately double in size. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your patties.

2. Next, prepare the mushrooms and onions. Steam the quartered button mushrooms for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender. Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the steamer and set them aside. Now, add the diced onion to the steamer and cook for approximately 10 minutes, until they become translucent. It’s important to keep the cooked mushrooms and onions separate, as they will be incorporated at different stages.

3. Soften the rolled oats. In a separate bowl, add ½ cup of water to the rolled oats. Let them soak for 10 minutes, until they become soft. This helps to bind the patties and provides a good source of fiber.

4. Drain any excess water from the soaked bulgur and oats. Thoroughly drain both to prevent the burger mixture from becoming too wet.

5. Now, it’s time to combine the ingredients. In a food processor, combine the hydrated bulgur, softened oats, steamed onions, cooked brown rice, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Pulse the mixture 4 or 5 times to chop the ingredients finely, but do not puree. The aim is to achieve a coarse texture with visible chunks of grain, mushroom, and cheese. Over-processing will result in a mushy burger.

6. Transfer the pulsed mixture from the food processor into a large bowl. Add the steamed mushrooms and cornstarch to the bowl. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. The cornstarch will help to bind the patties further and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

7. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place a large skillet over medium-low heat to prepare for pan-frying the patties.

8. Spray the skillet with cooking spray (olive oil is a great choice). Measure ½ cup of the burger mixture at a time and shape it into a 4-inch patty, approximately ½-inch thick. Be gentle but firm in shaping the patties.

9. Cook the patties in the preheated skillet for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until they turn a light brown color. This initial pan-frying step helps to develop flavor and creates a nice crust on the outside of the patties.

10. Once all the patties have been cooked on the stovetop, arrange them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. This step ensures that the patties are heated through and cooked evenly.

11. Serve the Gardenburger patties immediately. Alternatively, you can freeze them for later use.

12. Reheating Frozen Patties: If freezing, there are several ways to reheat the patties. For pan-frying, spread a light coating of olive oil spray on each side and heat in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until hot in the middle. For grilling, spray each side with oil and cook over low flame for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You can also microwave for 30-35 seconds, then place in a toaster on medium heat until hot in the center.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense mushroom flavor, try using a mix of mushroom varieties, such as cremini or shiitake, in addition to the button mushrooms.
• To prevent the patties from sticking to the pan, make sure the skillet is properly preheated and well-coated with cooking spray.
• If the burger mixture is too wet, add a little more rolled oats or cornstarch to help bind the patties.
• For a deeper flavor, try sautéing the onions in a pan with a little olive oil before steaming them. This will caramelize them slightly and add a touch of sweetness to the patties.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the patties. Cook them in batches to ensure even browning.
• For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the burger mixture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these homemade Gardenburger patties on your favorite burger buns with all the classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite condiments. They also pair well with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen using one of the methods described above. It is not recommended to leave the cooked patties at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	138 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	39 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	4.3 g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.2 g	11%
Cholesterol	11.7 mg	3%
Sodium	297.1 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	18.3 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	2.4 g	9%
Sugars	2.7 g	N/A
Protein	7.8 g	15%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Gardenburger: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Gardenburger: Ensure that the rolled oats used are certified gluten-free. You can also substitute the bulgur wheat with quinoa for a completely gluten-free patty.
• Spicy Gardenburger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the burger mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Gardenburger: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese (or a vegan feta alternative) for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Seasonal Gardenburger: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like roasted butternut squash in the fall or grilled zucchini in the summer to create unique and flavorful variations.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these patties ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the burger mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape the patties just before cooking.

Q: Can I bake the patties instead of pan-frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the patties directly without pan-frying. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.

Q: How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
A: Ensure you drain excess moisture from the bulgur and oats, and that the mixture is not over-processed. The cornstarch acts as a binder, so don’t skip it!

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these patties?
A: Pan-frying or grilling are the best methods for reheating to maintain texture and flavor. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy.

Q: Can I add beans to this recipe?
A: Yes, adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans can enhance the flavor and texture, and add more protein. Reduce the amount of another ingredient (like brown rice) by an equivalent amount.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Gardenburger recipe is more than just a plant-based patty; it’s a journey back to simple, wholesome flavors and the joy of creating something delicious in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking for a healthier burger option, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!