Broccoli Burger

Broccoli burgers are an excellent vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers and a delicious way to include more vegetables in your diet. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 400 g of broccoli
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 70 g of breadcrumbs
• 50 g of grated cheese (Parmesan or pecorino, for an Italian touch)
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• (Optional) Aromatic herbs to taste such as parsley or basil
• (Optional) A pinch of chili pepper

Preparation

1. Start by washing the broccoli and cutting it into florets. Then cook them in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli well and let it cool.
2. Once cooled, finely chop the broccoli with a knife or by using a food processor. Avoid turning them into a purée; it’s important to maintain some texture.
3. In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until they become translucent. Let cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix the chopped broccoli with the sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and, if desired, the aromatic herbs and chili pepper.
5. Shape the mixture into burgers and, if necessary, add more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency. The burgers should be compact but not too hard.
6. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan and cook the broccoli burgers over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden and crispy.
7. Serve the broccoli burgers hot in a bun with your choice of toppings such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or others.

Fun Fact

The broccoli burger is a dish that lends itself to multiple variations, for instance, you can add other types of grated vegetables or legumes to the mixture to enrich its flavor and nutritional value. Serve them with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.