Walnut Chickpea Mushroom Burgers deliver moist, nutritious layers of flavor without meat. Every bite is packed with plant protein and nutrition.
“I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”
I love walnuts! I’m really excited about sharing this Recipe ReDux challenge with you!
We Heart Walnuts! Recipe Challenge from California Walnuts and The Recipe ReDux
Walnuts love you, you love walnuts, and other foods love walnuts. Play matchmaker and create clever pairings for walnuts and other whole foods to give your readers ideas for a healthy pantry makeover. We’re challenging you, Recipe ReDuxers, to incorporate walnuts and other whole foods into dishes that are nutritious, satisfying and tasty. Experiment with recipes for different mealtimes and cuisines, and share your best shot for a chance to win!
As a kid, I looked forward to walnuts every Christmas. We always had a bowl and a nutcracker and picks out all holiday season. Mom made walnut kiffle cookies and walnut tassies. The bowl was offered to guests and family alike.
That was 50 years ago. Thankfully today walnuts are as close as your neighborhood store. These nutritious powerhouses also come shelled and ready to use in your favorite dishes.
Walnuts provide important components of a healthy diet. Did you know that an ounce of walnuts (about a 1/4 cup) has 2.5 grams of the essential plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full and maintain a healthy weight. Walnuts are low in calories with no cholesterol.
Learn more about walnut nutrition at http://www.walnuts.org/.
The natural oil in the walnuts helps hold these burgers together. There is no need for added binders like egg or breadcrumbs which keeps these burgers gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and gills removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup California Walnuts plus 1/2 cup chopped for garnish.
- 1/2 cup chopped portobello mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, shells removed
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brush mushroom caps with oil and set aside.
- Place walnuts and mushroom pieces into a food processor. Pulse into a paste (about 10 seconds)
- Add chickpeas, chives, garlic, lime and lemon juices and salt and pepper. Grind into burger consistency.
- Fill mushroom caps with burger mixture. Broil on low for 3 to 5 minutes until burger sets and mushroom cap is almost completely cooked. Remove and allow residual heat to finish cooking mushroom. (2 to 3 minutes)
- While mushroom cooks, bring balsamic vinegar to a slow boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a thick syrup. Drizzle over burgers. Top with chopped walnuts.
Walnuts make a great addition to everyday meals. Some of my favorite ways for enjoying walnuts include tossing chopped walnuts on salads, stirring walnuts into yogurt and sprinkling walnut pieces on ice cream.
- You can grind walnuts and add it to burgers for extra nutrition and moisture.
- Ground walnuts taste so good in pestos of any kind. Try making spinach, arugula or kale pesto with garlic, walnuts and cheese.
- Add walnuts, honey and a bit of cinnamon to soft cheese like Neufchâtel for a delicious breakfast spread.
- Spread walnut butter on raw carrots, celery, radishes, peppers and more for a quick, healthy snack.
- Walnuts paired with fruit adds a boost of nutrition, fiber and texture to snacks and sides. Eating walnuts with superfoods like blueberries seals the deal on creating healthy dietary habits.
- Don’t forget to add walnuts to your party cheese trays, too!
Connect with California Walnuts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ for more recipes, walnut nutrition facts and latest news.
What is your favorite way to enjoy walnuts? I’d love to hear your ideas! Drop me a line in the comments below.
Enjoy all these delicious ways #WeHeartWalnuts! from The Recipe ReDux!
