A Paleo Veggie Burger recipe for those following a paleo/primal lifestyle, but don't eat meat. These have no beans or grain in them. The veggie patties are: gluten-free, grain-free, legume-free, Clean Eating, Paleo, Primal, and Whole 30 compliant.
The recipe does include eggs. If you are looking for a vegan burger, I do have a gluten-free vegan buger. That one does include beans and quinoa though.
There seems to be a general lack of Paleo or even gluten-free Veggie Burger recipes around. When I saw "paleo" recipes with beans in them it reminded me of when my daughter was on a gluten & casein free diet and I couldn't find any gluten-free veggie burgers in the store. It annoyed me. Now some would say, why would someone on Paleo be eating a veggie burger? Well, not everyone who eats veggie burgers is vegetarian. I eat them, but I also eat seafood, chicken and the occasional pork product. I very rarely eat beef, and the few times I do, it is either a steak tip end or thinly sliced brescola (an Italian dry cured beef). I'm not on Paleo, but what if I was... mission Paleo Veggie Burger commenced.
Paleo Veggie Burgers (Origin)
Beans, soy and/or grains are a big part of typical veggie burgers. None were going to be allowed, so suitable stand-ins were needed. I recently made "bread crumbs" from cauliflower for some Paleo Chicken Fingers, and this seemed an even better fit for the cauliflower crumbs. For this recipe I also added small shredded pieces of carrot to the roasting pan, as well. Egg and a little tapioca starch would bind the burgers together and some ground walnut added a bit more protein, healthy fat and texture. Minced garlic and onion were brought in to provided a boost of flavor.
The mixture seemed to have the consistency I was looking for, so I formed it into patties between sheets of plastic wrap, and popped them in the fridge to firm up a little.
Paleo Veggie Burgers (Results)
After a short stay in the refrigerator, the paleo veggie burgers were firmed up & just as sturdy as store bought. They cooked up nicely in a skillet over medium heat, holding together very well.
I tried my burger plain and found it mildly sweet from the carrots and onion. I decided it really didn't need any condiments, and finished it that way. I would say the cauliflower added a nice character to the burger, and while carrot was pleasant, versions with sun-dried tomato or dried mushroom instead would probably be equally tasty.
Paleo Kid Food
If this veggie burger mixture was formed into nuggets, it would make an excellent kid food. You could also try my Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Sweet Potato. They are very toddler friendly.
A dehydrator would make the process of making these so much easier. I definitely need to get one SOON.
Try these burger patties with a slice of my Cassava Flour Bread!
Paleo Veggie Burgers (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Legume-free)
Print Pin RateIngredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 carrots
- ½ cup ground walnuts substitute ground sunflower seeds if nut allergies are an issue
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups white onion minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbs tapioca starch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees (300 if you have convection)
- Shred the florets of the cauliflower with a microplaner, or pulse until riced in food processor.
- Grate the carrot cross grain to make short bits ( or food process as well).
- Spread the cauliflower and carrot out on large baking sheet. Allow plenty of air circulation (use two pans if you have too).
- Roast for about an hour turning every ten minutes, so the small bits won't burn.
- Saute onions & garlic very lightly, while cauliflower is roasting.
- Once everything is cool combine all the ingredients in mixing bowl, and stir well.
- Form into 4 patties by pressing between sheets of plastic wrap and tucking in the sides to make uniform patties.
- Refrigerate for at least ½ an hour before cooking.
- Cook over medium heat in lightly oiled pan, until nicely browned.
Nutrition
rachel @runningrachel says
Oh my yum!! Another fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kathleen says
Yum! I love veggie burgers, but never really knew how to make my own.
LyndaS says
I would never have guessed those were made with cauliflower - they look amazing!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Mmm, I love walnuts so I may just give this a try!
Sheri says
This looks really good!
Lolo says
Looks like a great veggie burger!
Vanessa: the queen of swag ! says
These look yummy. Going to really try these.
Lisa says
That looks super good
Mellisa says
Great recipe! I need to make this.
Courtney says
I wonder if I can use a seed instead of the walnuts? I have an allergy and usually sub pumpkin or sunflower.
Robin Gagnon says
Using sunflower or shelled pumpkin seeds would be just fine & sunflower seeds are certainly less expensive than most nuts. Just chop them up in the food processor.
April Golightly says
These look great!
HilLesha says
Thank you for the recipe! I'd actually be the one eating this in my household since I am the only vegetarian. 🙂
Jenn says
Those green beans look good too!
Stefani says
Sounds and looks good. I might need a bun with some condiments though.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
Very clever! Great idea, Robin. 🙂
Jennifer says
I suppose putting cheese on this would defeat the whole vegan purpose, eh?
Tracy says
Looks delish! I add grated beets to my veggie burgers to give it more of a "beefy" look.
Marcie W. says
I am always up for trying new variations on classic burgers, especially when they're health conscious.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
Cauliflower, eh? Interesting. I'll have to try this.
Donna says
This sounds so good and healthy! I will absolutely give this a try!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
We are still in Lent so this is perfect for us
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I've never been interested in a veggie burger before but that looks so good!
Maryann says
you are very creative in the kitchen.
Elaina- @atimeout4mommy says
Thanks for the recipe! I love Veggie burgers but they always have some nasty fillers. These look simple enough!
Colleen says
This would be a nice change up from regular burgers.