This walnut burger was one of the first posts I ever did. Almost 8 years ago, when I started this little blog as a way to share my recipes as a grad student living in California. I still remember that tiny little studio apartment where I began my solo cooking journey; my place to combine the food I loved growing up with my on-again, off-again, but mostly on-again vegetarian diet.
My then boyfriend, now husband’s, mom was the first one to introduce me to the idea of a walnut burger and it was love at first bite.
I ate two that night for dinner then begged her for the recipe. Since BL and I had only been dating for a short time, she didn’t quite understand yet the obsessive love I have for food. I’m pretty sure I’ve requested this recipe a half-dozen times in the years since, a must-make whenever she visits in the summertime.
If you haven’t had a walnut burger before, you are going to love these. They are super meaty, but different than other veggie burgers as they are completely bean-less. You know how much I love my lentils and beans, but it’s sometimes nice to swap in other ingredients.
I don’t know where this recipe came from and I’ve only tweaked it slightly since she gave it to me; hence why I still call them “Cheri’s Walnut Burgers.” After you form the burgers and let them chill, you’ll lightly fry until golden and then simmer them in vegetable broth for another 15-20 minutes. This two step approach makes them crispy, yet moist. They also don’t crumble or fall apart like a lot of homemade veggie burgers.
They are vegetarian, not vegan. For my friends who don’t eat eggs, I’ve tried these once with egg replacer and they are OK. I like them better the way the recipe is written, but you can swap in an egg replacer if you need to! Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.
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If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
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Walnut Burgers! You’ve gotta try these delicious, omega-3 packed vegetarian walnut burgers. A must-make this summer.
Grind walnuts in blender or food processor, then mix with the rest of the burger mixture ingredients: oats, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, sage, and salt/pepper. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about an hour to let the flavors come together and thicken slightly.
Place a skillet over medium heat and add in just enough oil to make a thin layer. Form the patties, then lightly fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Once patties are brown, add the vegetable broth to cover the patties, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
I love these most with fresh tomato slices, lettuce, pickled and spicy mustard!
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(16 comments) leave a comment
I have pecans coming out my ears. They need used up, Think they would work in these?
I don’t like to stray from recipes too much, but I cannot have soy. Hoping milk would the same?
Hi Leslie– not sure about the pecans. Walnuts have a really meaty taste when pulsed down that’s slightly different than pecans. If you have a bunch that need using and don’t mind experimenting then go for it! let us know how it works as I’ve also got a bunch of pecans that I’d love to use for this. Yes, you can use regular cow’s milk for these as well.
My mother in law was a fantastic vegetarian cook who made a very similar wslnut patty. She told me that walnuts should NOT be cooked in a cast iron pan. As I remember, she said the result could be toxic. Perhaps the recipe should include a warning?
Hi Jill, I haven’t heard of this and just did a quick pubmed search and turned up empty there. My guess is that she was referring to cooking iron-rich foods in a cast iron pan, though I look at that as a benefit and not as harm as iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency. Cooking in cast iron skillets can add significant amounts of iron to foods. For example, the researchers reported that the iron content of three ounces of applesauce increased from 0.35 mg to 7.3 mg. Those who need to be mindful include individuals who receive an abundance of iron in the diet, usually from supplements, or who have a genetic condition called hemochramotosis.
Walnut burgers served to Cissy and Greg in NYC on the occasion of their “engagement”. Family Affair
Season 4 Episode 6 (1969) : )
Any chance the nutritional information is available for the walnut burger recipe? Or did I just miss it?
★★★★★
Hey I want to try this, is there something I can use instead of bread crumbs? Also I plan to replace soy milk with walnut milk, and no sage, as I don’t like it, maybe sweet basil?
The basil should work- but if you take away the breadcrumbs then you’ll need something else to bind it together. What about gluten-free cracker crumbs?
Peanut butter is a binder
★★★★★
Could these be made without eggs so they are vegan? What would you use as a binder?
Hi Joan- I haven’t tried them without eggs but what about an egg replacer? Bob’s Red Mill makes a fantastic one!
I loved these. Quick & simple. Great flavor. Another favorite of mine from Alex of Delish Knowledge.
★★★★
Thanks Christy!
★★★★★
Simply stated “AWESOME.”
Awesome! Thanks Carolyn!
NIce presentation, mother. I wouldn’t wait by the phone for Top Chef to call.