Beetroot and Quinoa Burgers with Feta

Beetroot and feta, what a wonderful combination! These burgers are vegan but I cant resist adding the slab of grilled feta.

Serves 4

Prep time 20 mins plus chilling

Cook time 30 mins

Burgers

4 medium beetroot, peeled and grated

100g quinoa

400ml veg stock

1 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 tsp Ground coriander

1 red onion, finely chopped

3 grated cloves of garlic

1 egg whisked

1tsp dijon mustard

2tbsp liquid smoke (optional)

Small bunch of mint, finely chopped

70g Gluten free flour

2 tbsp Psyllium husk powder

4 Gluten free burger buns

4 Square feta slices (optional)

6 tbsp Onion jam

1 Little gem

8 gherkins

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Cook the quinoa for 30mins in 400ml stock until is overcooked and soft. Drain and allow to cool.

2. Spread the grated beetroot on a lined baking tray for 30 mins.

3. Sauté the red onion in the olive oil for 3 minutes before adding the ground coriander and garlic and cook for another couple of minutes. Remove to a clean bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding the egg, mustard, liquid smoke (if using) and chopped mint.

4. In a food processor blend the cooled cooked quinoa with the beetroot plus the egg and onion mix together with seasoning. Add the flour and psyllium and blend to a firm mix.

5. Divide the mix into 4 or 5 patties and chill them in the fridge for 30 mins

6. Slice the buns in half. Preheat the grill and preheat the oven again to 180C and put a non stick frying pan on a medium high heat.

7. Line a baking tray with parchment or foil and put the feta on top with plenty of space between. Grill for around 10 minutes, depending on the strength of your grill, until warm and slightly crisp. Turn the heat off but leave it under so the feta stays warm.

8. Toast the cut side of the bun in the dry hot frying pan for a couple of minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the beetroot burgers and cook for a few minutes on each side until the are nicely crisped. Remove to a baking tray and cook in the hot oven for 10 minutes.

9. Remove a few of the larger leaves off the little gem and slice the gherkins. Layer them onto the bottom of the bun with the onion jam, top with the burger, the feta and the other half of the bun.