Barley Burgers Vegan Recipe Straight Up Food Ideas

If you’re looking for a wholesome, satisfying, and nutrient-packed vegan burger option, look no further than these barley burgers. Barley, a hearty ancient grain, provides a wonderful chewy texture and earthy flavor that makes these burgers both filling and delicious.

Perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend barbecue, these vegan barley burgers are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a smart choice for health-conscious eaters and vegans alike.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. With common pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these burgers quickly, and customize them with your favorite spices or toppings.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring meatless options, these barley burgers will win you over with their rich flavor and satisfying bite.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive right into the recipe and discover why these barley burgers will soon become a staple in your plant-based kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These barley burgers offer a delightful twist on traditional veggie patties. The chewy texture of barley combined with the warmth of spices creates a burger that’s both hearty and flavorful.

Plant-based and protein-rich: Barley is a fantastic source of protein and fiber, helping you stay full and energized.

Easy to make: This recipe uses everyday ingredients and requires no special equipment, making it perfect for beginners or busy weeknights.

Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even swap out some veggies to suit your taste.

Great for meal prep: These burgers can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated without losing their texture or flavor.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or non-stick frying pan
• Spatula
• Baking sheet (optional for oven baking)

Instructions

1. Cook the barley: Rinse the pearled barley under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine barley and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until barley is tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This will bind your burgers together.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated carrot and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Mash the chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture for bite.
5. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked barley, sautéed vegetables, mashed chickpeas, rolled oats, flax egg, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using) to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. If too wet, add a little more oats; if too dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
6. Form the patties: Shape the mixture into 6-8 equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Place them on a plate or tray.
7. Cook the burgers: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
8. Optional baking step: For a firmer texture, you can transfer the cooked patties to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. Serve and enjoy: Place your barley burgers on fresh buns or lettuce wraps and add your favorite toppings and condiments.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Let the burger mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming patties. This helps the oats and flaxseed absorb moisture, making the patties easier to handle.

Variation: Try adding finely chopped mushrooms or walnuts for extra umami and crunch. You can also swap chickpeas with cooked lentils or black beans for a different protein profile.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix for a subtle heat kick.

For a gluten-free version, substitute rolled oats with gluten-free oats and ensure your barley is certified gluten-free or replace it with quinoa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These barley burgers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings. For a classic burger experience, serve them on whole grain buns with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and your favorite vegan mayo or mustard.

For a lighter option, wrap them in large lettuce leaves with avocado, sprouts, and a squeeze of lemon.

Consider pairing these burgers with a vibrant salad or roasted vegetables. For inspiration, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to add some exciting sides to your meal.

For a fun twist, top the burgers with a creamy sauce like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes—it’s delicious beyond pasta!

Conclusion

These vegan barley burgers are a fantastic addition to any plant-based kitchen. They combine the wholesome goodness of barley and chickpeas with simple spices and fresh vegetables to create a filling, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for a meatless burger alternative or just want to add more grains to your diet, this recipe is both easy and rewarding.

With its versatility, nutritional benefits, and great taste, these burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends at your next BBQ. Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes on our site to complement your meals and keep your menu exciting!

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