Friday, July 28, 2017

Whiskey Glazed Vegan Blue Cheese Burger

Whiskey Glazed Vegan Blue Cheese Burger

Veggies burgers now a days come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. We have so many varieties and the some are so good that you'd never know they're vegan. Yes I've found that not everyone likes them and that's fine, I give recommendations on plant based kinds in the recipe as well, if you don't like them. Personally, I find this amazing, especially for new vegans that are transitioning or if you want to get meat-eaters into the vegan lifestyle. These burgers are such a great tool to do that. 

This recipe shows you how to take that regular not so boring anymore veggie patty (store bought or homemade) and turn it up a notch. This ooey-gooey super stuffed vegan patty is made the better by the homemade glaze you can make quick and easy...because who doesn't like a spiked glaze?! We can't be friends if you disagree, I'm sorry...just kidding! Top it with the luscious caramelized onions and mushrooms, making this burger super hearty and comforting for your next meal. Serve along side your favorite toppings and on your favorite bun (vegan and/or gluten free). With or without a side (if you have room) and don't forget a cold drink and settle in for a night of comfort. Enjoy!

Whiskey Glazed Vegan Blue Cheese Burger

Ingredients



BURGERS
1 package of Tofurky DIY Burger OR 2 Packages Beyond Meat Beyond Burgers (any hand formable vegan burger mix you like will work, Lightlife or a black bean mix that won't fall apart)
2-4 Tbsp vegan blue cheese, Homemade or purchased (Violife is wonderful)
2 good vegan hamburger buns, toasted 
4 slices of vegan cheese (your favorite)
Handful of arugula, romaine, or butter lettuce

WHISKEY GLAZE
1/4 cup Jack Daniels whiskey or any good quality whiskey
1/4 cup organic ketchup
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp vegan honey or maple syrup/Agave
1 teaspoon dijon mustard or 1/2 tsp mustard powder
1 teaspoon Vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
dash of hot sauce (your favorite)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

CARAMELIZED ONIONS & MUSHROOMS
2 yellow onions peeled and sliced thinly
2-3 cups sliced mushrooms (baby brown portabello or white button) 
1 1/2 Tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil
3/4 cup Organic vegan cola, or apple juice/cider + 1/4 cup whiskey or beer (sub it out and add in juice/cola etc if you don't want to use) 
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Tip: When you go to fill your burgers, portion out the vegan blue cheese (if using homemade or soft) and freeze it until solid. It makes it easier to fill and less mess. You can freeze into discs or balls, depending on how thick your burgers are. 

Directions

MAKE THE ONIONS & MUSHROOMS
Heat vegan butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and mushrooms, stir to coat in the melted vegan butter. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and dried thyme and stir to combine. Salute, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until onions are golden brown at the edges. Once they are starting to brown, add in your liquid of choice listed above and deglaze the pan. Lower your heat to Medium heat and cover the onions, cook for a remaining 10-15 minutes until soft and liquid evaporates, removing the lid occasionally to stir. When the onions are ready, remove the onions from pan and set aside.

MAKE THE GLAZE
To a small saucepan, add whiskey and bring to a low boil. Continue to boil for about 2 minutes, then add remaining glaze ingredients and whisk to combine. Reduce heat to Low Heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until glaze is slightly thickened. When it gets to this point, Remove it from heat and set aside.

 

MAKE THE BURGERS
To a large mixing bowl, add vegan ground beef (Beyond Meat/Tofurky/Lightlife) OR Bean Burger. Separate the vegan meat substitute or bean mixture into 4 equal portions. When you have them separated, sprinkle on salt & pepper to taste.

FILLING
Shape vegan meat into flattened balls, place about 1 Tbsp vegan blue cheese of your choice in the center of the ball and push into the ball. Mold the vegan meat around the vegan cheese and form into a patty. These can be grilled or pan cooked, according to your preference.

 

COOKING
Heat a large cast iron skillet, grill pan, or on the Grill over MED heat. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil, vegan butter, or coconut oil in the pan. Cook vegan burgers about 6 minutes per side OR according to package instructions. The last minute of cooking, brush burgers with the already prepared and set aside whiskey glaze and place a slice of vegan cheese on the burgers, then cover pan loosely with foil or shut the grill lid to melt the cheese. Remove vegan burgers to a plate and get ready to assemble.

 


TO SERVE

Line bottom of your bun with lettuce, then top with burger. Place a generous helping of your homemade caramelized onions on top of the vegan burger, then drizzle with additional whiskey glaze. Top with top bun and pair with homemade french fries or chips and don't forget a cold beverage. Enjoy!

 

-Amy