Vegan Burger Series: Episode Five – Aussie-Inspired Beetroot and Tofu Burger

Whilst in Australia, I noticed a big change in the food culture there. Melbourne, my home town, has always been seen as having a very  cosmopolitan, and forward-thinking view on food with hundreds of amazing restaurants, cafes, oh! and don’t get me started on the incredible coffee down there. Having said this, the move to a more compassionate food scene has been somewhat slow in parts. So I was ecstatic to see my home country going through a veggie-burger-naissance!

My family and I flew up to Queensland for a week to a place called Noosa (think of those Australian tourism ads with the never-ending white beaches, that’s it:)) This is where i came across one the BEST veggie burgers I’ve had – a huge statement! It was at a cafe called Jimmy Foxx and the creator of this heavenly burger was kind enough to give me the recipe.

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup tofu, diced
• 2 cups grated raw beetroot
• 250g cooked Bulgar wheat
• 1 onion, diced
• 200g breadcrumbs
• 150g Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsp liquid sweetener (something thick, like brown rice syrup or agave)
• Salt and pepper

Method:

Super easy! You just combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, shmoosh together and form into patties. I refrigerated mine for a few hours and then cooked them on  a medium to high heat, oiled pan (a grill would be great) until brown on both sides. You should be careful, they are not meant to hold super firm.

I served on a ciabatta roll with tomato and avocado. Keeping it simple is best when there is so much flavour in the patty! Looks as good as the original I say! (top photo left corner).

Whilst in Noosa, we also drove inland to the famous Eumundi markets. There are so many amazing things to be found at this place, but best of all is the food section! The picture above shows a stall that made my year – Organic vegan Burgers! I had a divine spinach and mushroom burger with homemade pesto and it was just all too much. The flavours were so intense and I only wish I could have also grabbed the recipe, but alas! a good reason to return soon 🙂

Half-way through heaven.

The other photo above? – Sugar cane juice! This stuff packed one hell of sugary punch, but in the best way possible. It has a myriad of health benefits and was perfect to drink in the crazy humidity up there. Please stay tuned for more aussie-themed posts to come!