Walnut Sliders

I saw Sandra Lee from the Food Network make these walnut burgers that were inspired by Rudy's Drive-In in Wisconsin. These burgers I guess are a top seller so I was intrigued! Normally I don't pay much attention to Sandra Lee's show, Semi Homemade because well, she often uses a lot of processed and prepared foods, hence the name. But, as I watched the show I saw that these burgers were really healthy and had no processed items in them. So I put it in my "must make soon pile". That was a few months ago and I thought that these would be perfect to make as sliders for a birthday party I was going to. They are easy to put together, have great taste and texture and only got good reviews at the party.

I did a little more research and found that Rudy's version of the burger does not have chickpeas and has cheddar and parmesan in them. I think I will try a few different versions in the future and know that after these I will never buy store bought veggie burgers again. I bet these patties would freeze well and they are vegan too so great for Lent!

Modified from Sandra Lee's Drive-In Walnut Burger.

Ingredients

Makes 8 slider sized burger or 4 large burgers

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
  
• 1/3 cup plain dried whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon grill seasoning
  
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds plus 3 tablespoons water (let stand for 15 minutes)
  
• 8 whole wheat or multi grain rolls
  
• Hamburger fixings
  

Directions

In a food processor, combine walnuts, garbanzo beans, bread crumbs, grill seasoning, paprika, pepper flakes, oil and vinegar and pulse until coarsely ground.

Flax and water mixture to food processor and pulse for 10 seconds, just enough to incorporate the ingredients. Divide into 8 equal-size parts; roll into balls, and flatten with the palm of your hand into 3/4-inch-thick patties.

Place burgers on oiled grill or skillet. Cook 4 minutes per side.

Serve hot on toasted buns.