Spicy Yam Veggie Burger

These are one of the best unique veggie burgers ever created. The flavor is savory, sweet and spicy in every bite. I was not sure what my son would think of these burgers when I made them because he prefers simple food that is light on the spices.... but he surprised me by asking if he could take any leftovers to school the next day for lunch. They were enjoyed so much by my family that all of the 12 burgers had dissappeared by the following day!

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 veggie burgers

Ingredients:
6 cups grated yams, approx. 2 lbs.
2 Tbs garlic, peeled and diced
2 Tbs fresh ginger, coarsley chopped
19 oz (540ml) can chickpeas, drained
1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tsp cumin powder
1 Tbs chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 Tbs soy sauce
2 Tbs sesame oil
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 Tbs egg replacer powder mixed with 3 Tbs of water

Directions:
1. Peel the yams and grate them by hand or use a food processor. Put into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Put the garlic, ginger and add half of the chickpeas to the food processor or a Vita Mix and pulse until fairly smooth. Add this mixture to the grated yams.

3. Transfer the remaining chickpeas to a small mixing bowl and slightly mash them with a potato masher. Add them to the grated yam mixture.

4. Add the cilantro, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt and breadcrumbs and mix well.

5. Whisk the egg replacer with the water. then add sesame oil and soy sauce and whisk again. Add to the yam mixture and mix well.

6. Measure into 1/2 cup portions and form into patties with your hands.

7. Saute in a large skillet on medium low for 5 minutes on each side.

8. Serve on a toasted whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, sliced onions and dijon mustard.

By Elisa Shine
Published: June 18, 2010