Don’t you just love beetroot! It used to be one of those foods I steered clear of. I think as a kid there is something about it that isn’t what you expect and I used to avoid it as much as possible. Convinced I didn’t like it. Then a few years back I tried some again and couldn’t believe it had been something I had been avoiding. It is delicious and the vibrant purply red is such a treat for the eyes in any dish. I love adding it to salads, slowly roasting in a root vegetable mix and baking as beetroot crisps. Well those were my favourite uses for it before this weekend. Because this weekend I discovered Beetroot Burgers! Thanks to Green Kitchen Stories I was inspired to try something different – a Healthy version of a burger and this seem to fit the bill perfectly.

Now before you stop reading and think I am ridiculous. Stop wait and listen. This might look like just a healthy burger alternative that you would never try unless you happened to be forced into be a vegetarian or were on a diet. But before you miss out on a great flavour experience due to vegetable prejudice. Listen. This passed the double boy test. Meaning I tried it out on two different boys who are used to double beef burgers with the works – and guess what they both liked them. Actually scratch that really enjoyed them, it was along the lines of ‘ lucy, that was class, when are you making them again?’ 

I thought that might get your attention!

Well now you are hanging on my every word. I am not going to waste that sort of attention – time to get to the recipe.

Bare in mind you can choose to add whatever accompaniments you choose to this burger but I guarantee you won’t go wrong with this combo: Lettuce, Ketchup, slow cooked Red Onions and sliced Avocado, served in a Multi Seed Wholewheat Bun. It is truly delectable. 

Right so let’s get on with the recipe.

Serves 4/ Makes 4 burgers

Ingredients

2 Large Raw Beetroot

½ Red Onion

1 clove Garlic

75g Porridge Oats

1 tsp Oregano

Salt and Pepper to Taste

200g Feta Cheese

1 Egg

1 tbsp Olive Oil

Method

1. Peel your Beetroot, Onion and Garlic and cut into large chunks, Grate these either in a food processor with grater attachment or with a hand grater
2. Place this mix in a bowl, add the Olive Oil, Oats and Egg and mix together
3. Next crumble in the Feta Cheese and add the Oregano, stir until everything is combine. Then season with Salt and Pepper
4. Cover with a tea towel and leave on the side for about 30mins to allow the juices to soak into the Oats
5. Next shape into patties and then place on the grill, or in a frying pan, – They take about 10mins to cook ( advice on cooking: they will go brown on either side but you need to make sure they cook through to avoid Beetroot Burger overspill!)
6. Next serve as suggested above or go crazy and make up your favourite burger combo

Finally chow down and realise with great delight that I wasn’t lying. Beetroot burgers are great.

I told you the beets would steal your heart.

Happy cooking!