

Why not go meatless once a week? Good for your body and wallet. I found both these recipes from Better Homes and Gardens but added a few ingredients to the veggie burgers because I found them a little bland. These veggie burgers are packed with protein and fiber and are about 350 calories each. You can always serve them on hamburger buns instead of the toasted bread (the kids might be “fooled” more!) The apple-onion salad is refreshing and different (in a good way!) The total cost of burgers and salad came in at $6.18 for a family of four.

VEGGIE BURGERS –

Prep Time : 25 minutes Cook Time : 8 minutes Serves : 4 for approx $4.36

Ingredients:

1 15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (white kidney beans)

1 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs (about 4 1/2 slices, lightly toasted)

1/4 cup shredded carrot

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 garlic clove, chopped

pinch of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 slices country Italian bread, toasted (or buns or whatever bread you like)

1 cup packed fresh baby spinach

1/4 cup Easy Tomato Sauce*

Directions:

In a medium bowl mash beans with a fork or potato masher. Stir in half of the bread crumbs, the carrot, onion, egg, half of the parsley, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the salt and pepper, chopped garlic and cayenne pepper. Combine remaining bread crumbs and parsley in a shallow dish.

Shape bean mixture into 4 patties (mixture will be soft). Dip both sides of patties into crumb mixture to coat.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties. Cook for 4 minutes per side or until well browned.

Arrange spinach and patties on bread slices. Top with Easy Tomato Sauce.

EASY TOMATO SAUCE*-

Place one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process to desired consistency. Pour into a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

*Basil was not in season when I made this, making it too expensive for my $10.oo budget. I used a can of diced tomatoes with basil already added.

APPLE-ONION SALAD –

Start to finish: about 15 minutes

Serves: 4 for approx $1.82

Ingredients:

2 medium Granny Smith or tart green and/or red apples, cored

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 small red onion, sliced

Directions:

Slice apples, set aside. In a bowl whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add apples and onion slices, toss.

0 Shares