Vegetarian mung bean burgers served on poppy seed buns with greens

The Incredible Mung Beans Burger

Revitalize burger night with a healthy, delicious twist! Mung beans bring a unique flavor and a host of health benefits to these savory patties. Packed with nutrition, mung beans are a flavorful addition to any diet. Rich in antioxidants, they contribute to reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, their high content of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and folate makes them a formidable, nutritious food choice.

Ideal for those seeking a healthy meal option, aiming to boost overall health, during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, weight loss, or muscle building, mung beans are a versatile choice. They can be enjoyed plain, seasoned, or incorporated into dishes like this delightful burger patty. You may also like our next feature: a simple yet delicious deconstructed cheesecake recipe. 

For best results in patty formation, firmly press the mixture with your hands to maintain shape. As the patty cools after cooking, it becomes firmer. Alternatively, shape them into balls to create mung “meatballs.” When preparing the mixture in advance, allow it to sit at room temperature before shaping the patties for optimal consistency. Preparing patties immediately after cooking the mung beans yields the best results.

Mung Bean Burger Ingredients

For a flavorful mung bean burger, the following ingredients are essential:

  • Mung Beans: Start by cooking them from scratch until they’re soft enough to mash. Mashing the beans while warm, just after cooking, is highly recommended for the best texture in the burgers;
  • Oat Flour: This recipe calls for ground rolled oats. Ensure they are finely ground, as whole rolled oats can make the mixture too coarse and prone to falling apart;
  • Parsley: Finely chopped parsley not only adds flavor but also helps in binding the burger mixture;
  • Salt: Sea salt is the preferred choice here, but table salt is an acceptable substitute. Since all ingredients are cooked and safe to taste, adjust the seasoning according to preference;
  • Garlic Granules: Garlic granules are favored over garlic powder for their more authentic flavor and the depth they bring to recipes. If garlic powder is used, a slightly lesser quantity is advisable. Alternatively, finely pressed fresh garlic can be used;
  • Onion: A finely chopped yellow onion is ideal for this recipe, aiding in the cohesion of the burger mix. Purple onion is a suitable alternative, offering a slightly spicier flavor.

Middle Eastern Flavor Enhancements For Mung Bean Burgers

Open-faced mung bean burger on a rustic bread with fresh greens

To infuse a Middle Eastern flair into the mung bean burgers, consider incorporating the following spices:

  • Cumin: ¼ tsp to add a warm, earthy essence;
  • Coriander: ¼ tsp for a touch of lemony, nutty flavor;
  • Garam Masala: ½ tsp for a rich, aromatic blend.

Additional Vegetable Variations

For extra texture and nutrients, shredded beets and zucchini can be included, ensuring all excess moisture is removed.

This recipe offers a versatile foundation, allowing for various customizations. Enhancements like cheese, jalapeños, or additional spices can be incorporated for more flavor. Ingredients such as beets, bell pepper, green onion, and zucchini are excellent for adding variety, but they can introduce extra moisture, altering the texture and firmness of the patties. To maintain the desired consistency, it’s advisable to increase the amount of oat flour when adding these vegetables.

Mung Bean Patty Recipe

A mung bean patty sizzles in a pan with bubbling oil

Revamp burger night with a nutritious and tasty option! These mung bean patties offer both exceptional flavor and a boost of health benefits.

Preparation and Cooking Details:

  • Preparation Time: 45 minutes;
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes;
  • Total Time Required: 55 minutes;
  • Category: Main Course, Suitable for Toddlers and Kids;
  • Cuisine Type: American, Bean-Based, Gluten-Free;
  • Quantity: Yields 8 servings.

Required Ingredients:

  • Dried Mung Beans: 1 cup (which will yield about 2 ½ cups when cooked);
  • Water: 2 cups for cooking the beans;
  • Yellow Onion: ½ cup, minced for added flavor;
  • Garlic Granules: ½ teaspoon for a subtle garlic touch;
  • Sea Salt: ¼ teaspoon to enhance taste;
  • Fresh Parsley: 4 tablespoons, finely chopped for freshness;
  • Oat Flour: 6 tablespoons (ground from rolled oats) for binding the patties.

Preparing the Mung Beans:

  1. In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of dried mung beans with 2 cups of water;
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer;
  3. Cook for approximately 75 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed;
  4. Note: If the water is absorbed before 75 minutes, add up to ¼ cup more hot water.

Making the Patties:

  1. Transfer the cooked mung beans to a bowl. While still warm, mash them with a fork;
  2. Stir in chopped onion, garlic granules, salt, chopped parsley, and oat flour until well combined;
  3. Preheat a skillet to low-medium heat (level 3) and lightly spray with olive oil;
  4. Use a ⅓ cup measure to scoop the mixture, forming it into a patty with your hands;
  5. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes, then gently flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Allow the patties to cool slightly; they will firm up as they chill;
  • Serve with your preferred burger toppings.

Additional Notes:

  • The mung beans are cooked longer than usual to soften them for mashing and patty formation;
  • For best results, if preparing the mixture in advance, mash the mung beans and add the oat flour immediately after cooking, then refrigerate. Other ingredients can also be added the night before, but ensure the beans are mashed and mixed with the oats.

Conclusion 

The Mung Bean Burger is not just a healthy and delicious alternative to your regular meat burger, but it’s a creative way to enjoy this power-packed legume. With the flexibility to add more flavors and vegetables, this recipe offers a versatile meal option that promotes health and satisfies your taste buds. It’s a fun and innovative way to balance your diet without compromising on the enjoyment of food. Enjoy your Mung Bean Burger with your favorite toppings and savor the incredible flavors packed in this nutritious patty!