They Might Be Vegans

All my pre-vegan life I thought veggie burgers were incredibly un-appetizing. Mushy, gray and rubbery, these “wanna-be’s” were nothing like the real deal. I want a crispy, smoky substitute for my burger of yesteryear, dangit.

Shortly after taking the vegan plunge, we quickly realized that we’d need to find some quick meal options for those nights when our basket weaving took a little too long or when I just couldn’t be bothered, in general. Veggie burgers and oven fries are my new best friend.

Our favorite brand by far is Amy’s, and they carry various flavors (some are non-vegan, fyi). I put a tbsp of oil on medium to low heat and let them sit. Once I hear a little sizzle, they’re usually brown on that side and I flip. Then let them sit. When sizzling–get them out of the pan.

We eat our veggie burgers on spelt hamburger buns, and I usually toast them in the pan after I get the burgers out. A little Earth Balance (or some other vegan margarine) and toast both side of each half. The result is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with a flavor to die for. We like ours best with pickles and mustard, but adding mushroom sauce on top can really send you over the moon with flavor. Here’s how you do it:

Mushroom Sauce, adapted from Veganomicon:

2 cups vegetable broth (I used mushroom broth)

1/4 cup flour

2tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

4 cups cremini mushrooms (10 0z)

3 cloves garlic

1tsp thyme (I only had fresh, I used 3 sprigs)

1/2tsp sage (didn’t use)

1/4tsp salt

fresh black pepper

1/4c white cooking wine

Mix the flour into the veg broth until dissolved and set aside.

Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Saute the onion in the oil for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 more minutes, until shrooms are tender.

Add the garlic, thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Saute for another minute. Add the wine and turn the heat up to bring to a simmer. Let simmer for about a minute, then lower the heat and add the flour veg broth mixture. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. If not serving immediately then gently reheat when you are ready to serve.

Add to the top of the burgers and drool and die of taste awesomeness. Then get back up and eat some oven fries. Enjoy!