I’ve never had a Walnut Burger before but thanks to Cheri, my boyfriends mom, I am on a mission to make and eat one!

The only time it’s hard being veggie is a cookout. Yes, I could always grill vegetables but let’s get real folks, sometimes your not in the mood for a roasted pepper or portabella sandwich. I occasionally will down a fake burger, but  I’m not the biggest fan of burgers made out of soy protein isolate. I gave up meat because I wanted a healthier lifestyle for myself and the environment and consuming lots of fake meat analogs is hypocritical to me. I promise one of these days I will actually write about nutrition (like why soy protein isolate isn’t great and you’re probably eating it in more ways than you know) and exercise but I just can’t help to want to cook all the time! As I tell my family… I majored in nutrition for a reason! I am always talkin’ food

So, thank you again Cheri for this recipe and picture. It looks delicious! It’s vegetarian but if you wanted to make it vegan, I suggest swapping out the eggs for EnerG or 3 tbsp. flax seeds mixed with water and use an alternate milk source.

Walnut Burger

Ingredients for Burger Patty’s

2 cups walnut pieces
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup breadcrumbs
3 or 4 eggs, slightly beaten
½ cup skim milk
1 large onion, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp sage
1 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Oil to brown patties
2 cups vegetable stock

Grind walnuts in blender or food processor and mix with the rest of the burger mixture ingredients. Place in refrigerator for about an hour to let the flavors come together. Form the mixture into patties, the recipe will make about 8-12 patties depending on size of desired patty.

Brown patties on both sides in a lightly oiled skillet, then pour the vegetable stock into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes. Serve however you like your favorite burger!

Yum! Let me know how these turned out for you.
And, since I am a dietitian, here are a few walnut food facts to discuss over these wonderful patties:

• Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, an essential fat that benefits the cardiovascular system.
• Contain ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties
• Contain 20 mmol antioxidants per 3 ounces (that’s high)