Bella Burger Recipe

Just in time for grilling season, here’s a hearty and tasty burger recipe from Clara Iuliano, a member of the Pennsylvania Conference’s Hamburg church, that packs protein and will add “meat to the bones.”

Bella Burgers

16 oz can of chickpeas
2 tbs olive oil
1 c unseasoned breadcrumbs
3⁄4-1 c water
4 tbs Bragg Liquid Aminos All Purpose Seasoning
4 minced garlic cloves
2 tbs The Vegetarian Express Saucy Ranch Seasoning (thevegetarianexpress.com)
1 c vital wheat gluten
Safflower oil for browning

1. Grind the chickpeas in a food processor until homogenous.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with the olive oil, breadcrumbs, water, garlic, and Bragg and ranch seasonings.

3. When well incorporated, add the wheat gluten and mix it in thoroughly with your hands.

4. Preheat a nonstick or well-seasoned, cast iron frying pan on medium high heat and add a small amount of oil.

5. Form a burger from 1⁄3 cup of the mixture and brown on both sides in the skillet, or brush the burgers with oil and bake on a cookie sheet in

a preheated oven at 375°. (Note: A baked burger will be much drier.)

6. Serve on a bun with your favorite, healthy garnishes. (Note: Any uncooked mixture freezes well. From the freezer, brown on both sides in a skillet.)

Makes 7 burgers. Per serving: 219 calories, 5.8 g fat, 540 mg sodium, 23.8 g carbohydrates, 2.9 g fiber, 18.5 g protein

Read and share these articles from the July-August Visitor :

• Editorial: We're Big Kids Now
• Feature: So Near, And Yet So Far
• Underscore: Men and Diet: Can Diehard Carnivores Become Vegetarian or Vegan?
• CD Release: Songs From the Heart
• Healthy Recipes from Columbia Union Members
• Liberian Refugee Soccer Players Receive New Limbs and Rehabilitation
• The New, Healthy-Cooking Chef in Town

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