Follow Your Heart
Nut Burger

8 servings   

These soft, nutty burgers contain no binding and require careful handling. Because the mixture is already cooked, only browning on the griddle is necessary.

• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/3 cup raw walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2 Tablespoons chopped green bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow squash
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 clove minced garlic
•    Dash of dried basil
•    Dash of dried dill weed
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup bulgur wheat
• 8 slices fat-free (or low-fat) cheddar cheese
• 8 sesame seed burger buns
• 8 Tablespoons no fat Thousand
     Island dressing
• 8 slices large tomato
• 2 cups alfalfa sprouts

Grind sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts in food processor until coarsely ground. Set aside.

Combine onion, green pepper, and squash. Mix soy sauce and water in a small glass. Process vegetables with garlic, basil and dill weed, adding soy sauce/water mixture a little at a time in blender.

Pour puree into saucepan and [place over medium-high heat. Add carrots and bulgar, bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and add nuts. Mix well. Form into 8 patties or scoop into 8 portions onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Bake or grill until heated through and browned on 1 side. DO NOT TURN. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and melt slightly.

Serve patties in sesame buns. Top each with 1 Tablespoon Thousand Island Dressing, tomato slice and 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts

Bon appetit!