Opening a Restaurant is Easier Than You Think

Who says you can't enjoy a good burger as a vegetarian? A burger patty does not have to contain meat in order to be delicious and filling. There are plenty of pre-made vegetarian burger patties on the market, but you can also make your own. Here are two vegetarian recipes that really take the cake.

Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are filling and hearty. The seasonings are reminiscent of Italian cooking, so you may want to top these burgers with some tomato, caramelized onions, basil, and mozzarella cheese. To make four patties, you need:

• 2 cups cooked black beans
• 2 tablespoons onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Place the beans and egg in a bowl. Use a pastry blender or a large fork to smash the beans. Continue until the beans are mostly mashed with just a few larger chunks remaining. Add the remaining ingredients, and stir well to combine.

Divide your mixture into four even portions. Use your hands to shape each portion into a ball, and then press them down into a patty that's about 3/4 inch thick. 

Place some olive oil in a hot skillet, and pan-fry your burgers for 2 minutes per side. Serve as desired.

Three-Veggie Lentil Burgers

Made with lentils, these burgers have a tender, light texture. If you're on a low-carb diet, you could easily enjoy them without a bun. Just drizzle them with some barbecue sauce, and eat them with a fork. To make 4 patties, you'll need:

• 1 cup cooked red lentils
• 1/4 cup carrot, shredded 
• 1/4 cup onion, minced 
• 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Saute the mushrooms, carrots, and onion in olive oil until tender. Mash the lentils with a fork or pastry blender until they are tender and partially broken apart. Combine the veggies, lentils, and all of the other ingredients, and mix until evenly combined.

Divide the burger mixture into 4 even portions, and shape each portion into a patty. Heat some olive oil in a skillet, and pan-fry your patties for 2 minutes per side. Serve and enjoy.

With these recipes in your back pocket, who needs beef burgers? Vegetarian dining can be every bit as delicious.