Yams are cooked until tender and mixed with chickpeas and crunchy pumpkin seeds for a veggie patty which highlights the sweetly spiced flavors of Autumn. If served without a bun, this burger is ideal for those who suffer from common food allergies; this recipe contains no soy, no wheat and no animal products. This recipe comes to us from Jen Brody of Domestic Divas.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 yam
  • 1 Tablespoon grapeseed oil, divided
  • 1 Cup quinoa, prepared according to package instructions
  • 1 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 Cup fresh spinach, tightly packed
  • 2 Tablespoon sunflower seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 Tablespoon sesame tahini
  • 1 Tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • a little flour, for dusting the burger patties

PREPARATION

Step 1:

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2:

Poke several holes in the yam using a fork. Place the yam in a paper towel and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Flip the yam and microwave 5 minutes more, or until tender. Slip off the yam’s skin.

Step 3:

Place 1 of the tablespoons of grapeseed oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to soften. Add the carrot and bell pepper to the pan and cook 3-5 minutes more, or until the veggies are just tender.

Step 4:

Transfer the sautéed veggies to a food processor and pulse to chop. Add the spinach and pulse a few more times until combined. Transfer the veggies to a large mixing bowl.