Kick off grilling season with these delicious and easy veggie burgers featuring artichokes–an antioxidant superfood and nutrient powerhouse. Written by Amanda Hershberg, Active Wellness Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach at Synergy Health Club Petaluma. Find more featured recipes by Amanda Hershberg on her blog here.

Yield: 4 large burgers
Serving: 4

Ingredients
1⁄2 medium onion finely chopped
1 ea 14oz can of cannellini beans drained
1 ea 14oz can artichoke hearts drained & chopped
3 cloves garlic chopped finely
1 cup rolled oats (gluten free if required)
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary (dried of fresh)
1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
1 ea zest of small lemon
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Sauté the finely chopped onion in a frying pan that has been prepped with a very light spritz of extra virgin olive oil. You may also use a dry pan. The onions are ready when they are translucent and begin to brown.
2. Add the beans to a medium sized mixing bowl and mash roughly with a potato masher. You want them a bit crushed but not mush.
3. Put the oats in a food processor or blender & pulse a few times until they are broken up a bit. Be careful not to accidentally make oat flour!
4. Add the chopped oats to the mixing bowl that contains the smashed beans. Next, add all remaining ingredients to the mixture including the chopped artichoke hearts and cooked onions.
5. Using your hands, mix all ingredients until they are well incorporated.
6. Shape into 4 patties. Use your hands to squeeze the mixture into firm “burgers.” Place the patties onto a plate that has been covered with parchment paper or a silicone baking pad. Wrap the plate in plastic wrap and freeze for a minimum of two hours. Alternatively, you can refrigerate for up to two days but they are easier to handle when frozen.
7. Prepare the cold grill with a spritz of olive oil to help prevent sticking (caution: do not spray a hot grill; doing so is dangerous). Place the patties onto the medium-hot grill and leave to cook until a nice crust develops then turn over. this typically takes 8-10 minutes but the time may vary greatly depending on the temperature of your grill.
8. Remove from the grill and serve immediately. Patties can be served plain, wrapped in lettuce, or on a whole grain bun loaded with traditional burger toppings. Enjoy!

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