As if it isn’t difficult enough as vegans to find a good “burger”- try finding one without gluten or soy in the ingredient list. It is almost impossible!
When we lived down south we were introduced to Sunshine Burgers- a store-bought burger made primarily from brown rice, sunflower seeds and carrots. Doesn’t sound very appetizing does it? But they are great! The only problem is that they’re very expensive, so we’d only spring for some as a treat on occasion.
The ingredient list for Sunshine Burgers is pretty simple so I decided to try creating my own version. It took a few tries, but now I’m very pleased with the result. I think you’ll enjoy them too!
Sunflower Burgers
3 cups sunflower seeds
4 carrots, grated
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. dried basil
1 1/2 tsp. poutry seasoning
1/2 tsp. ground sage
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. sea salt
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Grind in 2-3 batches in a food processor (till well mixed, but not pureed). Scrape sides of the food processor frequently. Shape by hand into burgers and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes (flip halfway through the baking time).
This makes a good quantity of burgers. They keep well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely on a skillet or in the oven.
They’re great served with soup or salad.
This recipe is originally from Everyday Wholesome Soup by Kim Wilson, copyright 2010
please check the amount of sunflower seeds — should it be 3 cups?
Thank you!
Love new ways for old favorites. One question: 3 what of sunflower seeds? Thanks!
Is that 3 cups sunflower seeds?
Yes- 3 cups of sunflower seeds. 3 sunflower seeds sounded pretty funny- huh?!
I’m so sorry- it’s 3 CUPS of sunflower seeds.
Yes- 3 cups.
I have a bag of ground sunflower seeds in my fridg. How much ground seeds = the 3 cups whole sunflower seeds????
So excited to try this!
I would say it would be pretty close (about 3 cups).
Hope you love it!
Kim,
These look yummy. I just printed out the recipe and plan to try it soon. Thanks so much!
Do we soak the sunflower seeds prior to making this recipe? And how much dried rice makes 1.5 cups cooked rice? I can’t wait to try these! We LOVE sunshine burgers, but you are right – way too expensive for 2 boxes per meal! Thanks for this cost-conscious, yet easy, alternative!
No, in this case you do not presoak the sunflower seeds. I would guess about 2/3-3/4 cup dry rice would produce about 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice.