FitSugar

Veggie Burger Breakdown

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:50:16 -0700

If you're watching your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, veggie burgers are a great option when grilling. According to my burger poll, many of you actually prefer them. There are so many different brands and flavors out there now, the selection can be a little overwhelming. Some burgers are made with soy and others with grains. Other veggie burgers are just that and made from veggies. Sunshine even makes gluten-free burgers with sunflower seeds. Depending on the main ingredients, your options will differ in calories, sodium, carbs, and protein, so check out this breakdown to see which one you might want to grill up at your next BBQ.

1 Patty	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Amy's Kitchen All American Veggie Burger	120	3	0	390	15	3	10
Amy's Kitchen California Veggie Burger	140	5	0	430	19	4	6
Boca All American Flame Grilled	90	3	5	280	4	4.5	14
Boca Original Vegan	70	.5	0	280	6	4	13

There's plenty more, and to see them, just read more.

1 Patty	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Boca Grilled Vegetable	80	1	0	300	7	4	12
Boca Cheeseburger	100	4.65	10	360	5	4	13
Boca Garden Vegetable Made With Organic Soy	130	3	0	400	9	4	15
Boca Roasted Garlic Made With Organic Soy	130	.5	0	470	9	4	16
Gardenburger Original	100	3.5	5	420	14	5	5
Gardenburger Sun-Dried Tomato Basil	100	3	5	310	15	5	5
Gardenburger Portabella	90	2.5	5	360	15	5	5
Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle	80	2.5	0	250	13	5	5
Gardenburger GardenVegan	100	1	0	230	12	3	10
Gardenburger California Burger	90	3.5	0	380	12	2	3
Morningstar Farms Cheddar Burger (contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil)	150	7	10	480	10	3	13
Morningstar Farms Mushroom Lover's (contains corn syrup solids)	110	6	0	220	8	less than 1	7
Morningstar Farms Veggie Medley made with organic soy	120	4	0	260	11	2	11
Morningstar Farms Classic Burger made with organic soy	150	6	0	280	9	3	14
Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie	120	4	0	350	13	4	11
Sunshine Burger Southwest	240	12	0	240	26	9	6
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, Original	180	13	0	330	8	1	12
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, Southwest	190	13	0	320	9	2	11

I'm curious to know what your favorite veggie burger is, so tell me in the comments section below.

Veggie Burger Breakdown

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I'm sure you're gearing up for some BBQs. If you're watching your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, veggie burgers are a great option. And according to my burger poll many of you prefer veggie burgers, too. There are so many different brands and flavors out there now, the selection can be a little overwhelming. Some burgers are made with soy and others with grains. Other veggie burgers are just that and made from veggies. Sunshine even makes their burgers with sunflower seeds. Depending on the main ingredients, all your options will differ in calories, sodium, carbs, and protein, so check out this breakdown to see which one satisfies your needs.

Veggie Burger (1 patty)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Amy's Kitchen All American Veggie Burger	120	3	0	390	15	3	10
Amy's Kitchen California Veggie Burger	140	5	0	430	19	4	6
Boca All American Flame Grilled	90	3	5	280	4	4.5	14
Boca Original Vegan	70	.5	0	280	6	4	13

There's plenty more and to see them just read more.

Veggie Burger (1 patty)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Boca Grilled Vegetable	80	1	0	300	7	4	12
Boca Cheeseburger	100	4.65	10	360	5	4	13
Boca Garden Vegetable Made With Organic Soy	130	3	0	400	9	4	15
Boca Roasted Garlic Made With Organic Soy	130	.5	0	470	9	4	16
Gardenburger Original	100	3.5	5	420	14	5	5
Gardenburger Sun-Dried Tomato Basil	100	3	5	310	15	5	5
Gardenburger Portabella	90	2.5	5	360	15	5	5
Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle	80	2.5	0	250	13	5	5
Gardenburger GardenVegan	100	1	0	230	12	3	10
Gardenburger California Burger	90	3.5	0	380	12	2	3
Morningstar Farms Cheddar Burger (contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil)	150	7	10	480	10	3	13
Morningstar Farms Mushroom Lover's (contains corn syrup solids)	110	6	0	220	8	less than 1	7
Morningstar Farms Veggie Medley made with Organic Soy	120	4	0	260	11	2	11
Morningstar Farms Classic Burger made with Organic Soy	150	6	0	280	9	3	14
Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie	120	4	0	350	13	4	11
Sunshine Burger South West	240	12	0	240	26	9	6
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, Original	180	13	0	330	8	1	12
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, South West	190	13	0	320	9	2	11

I'm curious what your favorite flavor is? Tell me in the comments section below.

Food Review: Sunshine Burger

FitSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I'm so psyched for BBQs now that the weather is so warm. I always like to keep a box of veggie burgers in the freezer just in case I don't feel like a regular burger, or if we have vegetarian guests over. Now that meat alternatives are so popular, there are so many different kinds to try out, like this Organic Sunshine Burger. Not only are they vegetarian, but they're also vegan, soy free, and gluten free.

Want to see what these burgers really look like and find out how they taste? Then read more.

When I read the ingredients, I was surprised to see that these burgers are mostly made from ground up raw sunflower seeds and rice, which gives them a soft, slightly squishy texture. The mild flavor came from the black beans, peppers, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño peppers, cumin, and onion. It was slightly spicy, but I was expecting more of a kick. It did grill well and didn't stick to the grate like some meat alternatives, like tofu pups, can. Since these burgers are pre-cooked, they only need a few minutes on the grill to heat through. Overall, I found these Sunshine Burgers to be just OK. They were a little too dry for my tastes and honestly, I wanted more flavor.

Serving Size	1 patty
Calories	240
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	240mg
Carbs	26g
Fiber	9g
Sugar	2g
Protein	6g

Gardenburger: Sun-Dried Tomato Basil

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:30:00 -0800

If you recently got your cholesterol or blood pressure checked, you may realize that your body could really benefit from cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat. Adding more bean-and vegetable-based foods to your diet will not only keep you regular, but will also be good for your heart.

If you're used to eating hamburgers, and you don't want to give them up, Gardenburgers are a tasty alternative. They come in many wonderful flavors, such as one of my favorites, Sun-Dried Tomato Basil. Just how healthy are they? To find out read more

Okay, so they don't look like a real hamburger, and they definitely don't taste like one, but they do taste delicious and are really filling. Did you check out the amazing nutritional info? Only 1 gram of saturated fat per 100-calorie patty. Plus 5 grams of both fiber and protein. I love that you can see whole pieces of red bell peppers, corn, rice, rolled oats, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. All those real ingredients make this patty taste fresh and savory.

Serving Size	1 patty
Calories	100
Total Fat	3g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	310mg
Carbs	15g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	2g
Protein	5g

Fit's Tip: These Gardenburgers taste great on a bun or on an open-faced sandwich with lowfat cheese, tomatoes, and avocado. You can also cut up pieces and use it in your Shepherd's Pie, lasagna, or spaghetti in place of ground beef.

Healthy BBQ - Wildwood Burgers

FitSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 11:45:00 -0700

A friend recently introduced me to a new meatless burger, Wildwood Tofu-Veggie. She's allergic to wheat, which makes most veggies burgers off limits since they contain wheat gluten.

These Wildwood burgers on the other hand are made with tofu, and they have a really soft, yet dense consistency. I'd say their texture is more like meat than Gardenburgers.

I tried the Southwest flavor (they also make Original and Shiitake), and was surprised how flavorful it was - must be the cayenne pepper, cilantro and garlic. After taking my first bite, I looked down and could actually see bits of carrot, kale and full corn kernels. There's nothing I love more than seeing real food in my food!

Each patty contain 13g of fat, 0g of cholesterol, 320 mg of sodium, 9g of carbs, 2g of fiber, and a whopping 11g of protein (Gardenburgers only have 5g).

If you are a vegetarian, or trying to cut back on your meat consumption, I'd definitely give these a try. It's good to know they're also dairy-free, so if you are avoiding milk products for whatever reason (lactose intolerance) your tummy will love these. Look for them next to the tofu pups.

Healthy BBQ - Gardenburgers

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:45:00 -0700

All this talk about beef being recalled and red meat being linked to breast cancer is making me crazy. Don't have a cow - reach for a veggie burger instead.

I love that so many companies make them now, but my favorite is made by Gardenburger. When you take a bite, you can actually see the whole grain brown rice, rolled oats, and veggies. All that good stuff makes them hearty, flavorful, and delicious when grilled.

They make exciting flavors like Portabella and Black Bean Chipotle. Some of their burgers are even vegan (made without dairy products) like the Veggie Medley.

I like the Sun-dried Tomato Basil best. It's made with whole grains, basil, red and green bell peppers, onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese. One patty contains 100 calories, 3g of fat, 5mg of cholesterol, 15g of carbs, 5g of fiber, and 5g of protein. Delicious and healthy. Who could ask for more? I'd say this is a perfect entrée for a Meatless Monday.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Veggie Burgers With Lime Mayonnaise

partysugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:15:58 -0700

Looking for an exciting new vegetarian recipe to serve on the Fourth of July? Consider this recipe: an upscale take on the classic veggie burger.

The patty is a filling combination of bulgur, pinto beans, walnuts, and spices. Serving the burger open-faced on toasted multi-grain bread adds an air of sophistication.

Don't skip the lime mayonnaise - it provides a creamy zing to the completed burger. To look at the uncomplicated recipe, please read more.

Veggie Burgers With Lime Mayonnaise
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil plus additional for brushing
1/2 cup bulgur
1 cup water
1 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
3/4 cup walnuts (2 1/2 ounces)
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup packed cilantro sprigs
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon grated lime zest
1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
4 slices multi-grain bread,toasted
lettuce, sliced tomato, for serving

Directions

Cook half of onion with 1/4 teaspoon salt in oil in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add bulgur and water and cook, covered, over low heat until water is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in beans and soy sauce.
Pulse bulgur mixture, walnuts, garlic, cilantro, cumin, cayenne, a rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and remaining onion in a food processor until finely chopped.
Form rounded 1/2 cups of mixture into 4 (31/2-inch-diameter) patties. Chill at least 10 minutes.
While patties chill, stir together mayonnaise, zest, and juice.
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas). Put perforated grill sheet on grill and preheat 10 minutes.
Brush patties all over with oil. Oil grill sheet, then grill burgers on grill sheet, covered only if using a gas grill, carefully turning once, until golden brown, about 8 minutes total.
Serve burgers open-faced on toast with lime mayonnaise.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Veggie Burgers With Mint-Yogurt Sauce

partysugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:45:26 -0800

Over the holidays my girlfriend Elizabeth, who lives in Spain, came to visit me in San Francisco. While she was here, all she wanted to eat were veggie burgers - a dish that is sadly missing from Spanish cuisine. "You know," I said, "you could always make them!"

Although she's not the most advanced home cook, this recipe is simple, quick, and healthy. The patties are a mixture of ground lentils, mint, and scallions. A tangy yogurt sauce and carrot salad on the side give this meal a Mediterranean feel that's sure to please Elizabeth's meat-loving Spanish boyfriend.

To make this hearty burger tonight, read more.

Veggie Burgers With Mint-Yogurt Sauce
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

4 medium carrots
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
5 whole-wheat hamburger buns
1 can (15 ounces) lentils, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
1 large egg
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 head Bibb lettuce

Directions

In a food processor fitted with the shredding disk, shred carrots. Transfer to a medium bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oil, and half the scallions. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Wipe food processor clean, and fit with chopping blade. Process 1 bun until finely ground. Add lentils, egg, half the mint, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, and remaining scallions. Pulse just until combined.
Dividing evenly, shape mixture into four 3 1/2-inch patties.
In a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Cook burgers until browned and firm, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, remaining mint, and remaining tablespoon lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
Place burgers on buns, and top with yogurt sauce and lettuce. Serve with carrot salad.

Serves 4.

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Monday's Leftovers: Black Bean Veggie Burgers

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 08:58:32 -0700

Yesterday I gave you guys the recipe for some simple oven-crisp black bean and corn flautas. I also told you to hang on to some of the filling - although I'm betting it was pretty impossible, those flautas are pretty darn tasty. However if you did manage to hang on to the filling, then you're in for a treat. For Monday's leftovers I thought it would be a great idea to turn the filing into black bean veggie burgers. Of course you could add ground beef to the mixture, and make them non-veggie, but the black beans already create a dense patty that you can really sink your teeth into. To check out the recipe, and if you didn't save any of the filling, don't worry, I included a full recipe too, read more

This leftover recipe is really going to depend on how much of the black bean mixture from the oven-crisp black bean and corn flautas you have leftover. So use this as a guideline, or check out the full black bean veggie burger recipe below.

Start with the leftover mixture in a medium bowl, add 1 egg and enough bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. You may need to add an extra egg, or even more mashed black beans. Be sure to season with salt and pepper. Divide mixture into patties. Grill or bake them until they're fully heated all the way through (about 8 minutes on a grill, 10 minutes in oven). Serve on its own, on a hamburger bun or between two slices of your favorite bread.

Black Bean Veggie Burgers
From All Recipes - submitted by Laurenmu

Yields 4 patties

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (optional)

If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.
In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Balsamic Portobello Burgers

partysugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:50:11 -0700

One can never have too many burger recipes, and this one is perfect for vegetarians! It expertly marinates portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and garlic.

The 'shrooms are charred on the grill and served with chunks of smoky red bell peppers and disks of goat cheese. The final result is very satisfying - especially when paired with a cold beer and enjoyed in the open air.

Interested in the recipe? All you have to do is keep reading