Nutty Miso Veggie Burgers with Maple Almond Dijon Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

Veggie Burgers:

3/4 cup cooked brown rice

1/3 cup dried shiitake mushrooms

1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

4 ounces yellow onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon olive oil

½ cup unsalted, roasted cashews

1 tablespoon old-fashioned oats

2 garlic cloves, roasted

3 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise

3 tablespoons Justin’s Maple Almond Butter

1 tablespoon white miso

1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari, coconut aminos or shoyu)

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 slider buns

Lettuce

Maple Almond Dijon Sauce:

1 tablespoon Justin’s Maple Almond Butter

1 tablespoon avocado oil mayo

1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard

1 teaspoon white miso

1-2 tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2. Cover dried shiitakes with warm water and soak 10 minutes (and no longer). Drain, pat dry, and finely chop.

3. Spread black beans in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until they begin to crack and look dry, tossing halfway through. Remove from oven and cool.

4. In a small sauté pan over low heat, sauté onions in oil until they are caramelized, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

5. In a food processor, pulse cashews and oats until they are finely ground.

6. In a large bowl, whisk together the roasted garlic, mayo, almond butter, miso, soy sauce, and spices until well combined. Add in the cooked rice, shiitakes, black beans, onions, and cashew mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. Using a potato masher or your hands, mash the beans until the mixture is sticky and well combined, but there are some whole beans remaining. Form into 6 patties.

7. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and brown.

8. To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to thin.

9. Serve burgers immediately with sauce and desired toppings.