Simple Veggie Burgers

This was my first attempt at making homemade veggie burgers.  Which is surprising because I eat a LOT of (pre-packaged) veggie burgers (if you haven't tried the Trader Joe's Veggie Masala Burgers just run over there right this instant and get 'em -- my absolute favorite).

My mom has raved about the knock-off recipe for the Northstar Veggie Burger (I'm pretty sure even meat-lovers love this burger) but I didn't have beets so that wasn't an option.  I went ahead and searched for the knock-off recipe for another veggie burger that I thought was great -- found at The Counter.  It is simple and can be jazzed up with whatever toppings you like!

A few handy tips:

- Prep, prep, prep!  This goes for all recipes but I always like to have my dicing, chopping, stirring, mashing done in advance.  Prevents many recipe mishaps.

- Food Processor.  First, if you don't have one, get one.  It works magic when it comes to grating veggies.  I like to cut my veggies into (approx.) 2-inch pieces, toss them in the processor and pulse, pulse, pulse until I have the perfect "grate".

Simple Veggie Burgers
Yields:  6 patties
Source:  Epicurious (adapted from The Counter)

Ingredients
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
2 garlic cloves, diced
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
1 yellow squash, grated
1 zucchini squash, grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon grated black pepper
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and mashed
1 egg (plus one additional egg white if needed -- see directions)
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (do not use quick cooking)
2-4 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Saute garlic for 3-4 minutes. Mix in carrots, squash and zucchini and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes more until soft.  In the meantime, combine mashed black beans, egg, paprika, parsley, salt, pepper and oats.  Stir into veggie mixture and remove from heat. Transfer to a bowl and let rest at room temperature for an hour.

Divide the mixture into six equal parts and form each into a flat round patty.  Add 2-4 tablespoons of panko to hold together, if needed.  If mixture seems dry, stir an egg white into the mix.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook 3-4 minutes each side or until golden brown. Serve with all of your favorite fixins'!