Recipe for Quinoa, Beet and Chickpea Sliders

Quinoa, Beet and Chickpea Sliders

If you are looking for a vegetarian slider recipe that is sure to please, look no further. These vibrant-hued beets and chickpea sliders are nothing less than excellent. The flavors are spot on, the color is stunningly beautiful and every bite has the meatiness of a good burger minus the meat. What more can you ask for?

Makes 6-8 sliders

Ingredients

• 6-8 slider buns
• 2 small red beets
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 egg
• 1/1 onion, finely diced
• 1/2 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup quinoa
• 1/4 cup quick oats
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Juice of half a lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Condiments and toppings like lettuce, mayo, sliced onion, tomato, etc.

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain
2. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
3. Lightly salt the broth, add some pepper and pour in the quinoa.
4. Stir and reduce to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from the heat and leave covered for a few minutes to steam before fluffing with a fork.
7. Peel the beets and grate.
8. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium.
9. Add the diced onion when the oil is hot.
10. When onions are soft and fragrant, add the garlic and grated beets.
11. Season with some salt and stir.
12. Cook while stirring for 5-7 minutes or until the beets are tender.
13. Deglaze with the lemon juice and scrape the flavor bits from the pan.
14. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl along with the beet and veggie mix.
15. Add the chickpeas to the bowl as well.
16. Mash with a potato masher until a slightly chunky texture is achieved.
17. Mix in the egg, oats, parsley and lemon zest.
18. Form 6-8 slider patties. Season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
19. Coat the bottom of a pan with olive oil. Heat over medium.
20. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
21. Assemble the sliders with any condiments and toppings you like.
22. Eat!