Chunky Portabella Veggie Burgers
Last week I was at Sam’s club, like every Saturday morning picking up my weekly supplies perusing through the fresh produce section. I was pushing my buggy (yes ‘buggy’ – that’s what us Yinzers call a shopping cart) through the aisles, taking my time looking at everything when I spotted the most incredible Portabella mushroom caps. Each cap was literally the size of a dinner plate! 
I have never seen them that big; I mean EVER! And for like $3.50 I was all over that! So I brought them home but then kinda sorta forgot about them for a few days. I got side tracked with other things to make that when I “re-found” them I was tickled pink! Since my tummy was on the fritz and hating most meats (it does it every once in a blue moon) I figured it was perfect timing to use these face-sized mushrooms.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups portabella mushrooms, cubed (smaller pieces); gills removed
  • 2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and divided
  • 1 cup minced broccoli, fresh only
  • 1/2 cup red onion, minced
  • 3 XL eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbl Panko or Gluten Free Panko
  • 1 Tbl Montreal Steak Seasoning
  • 1 Tbl Worcestershire *for full vegetarian style use one that does not contain anchovies
  • 2 Tbl minced garlic
  • 3/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan *Look for vegetarian or vegan Parmesan cheese if you do not eat animal products
  • Olive oil

Instructions
  1. In a large bowl add 1 cup of black beans and mash with a masher (chunks are OK).
  2. Next, add in the mushrooms, the rest of the beans, broccoli, garlic, onion, Worcestershire and steak seasoning.
  3. Mix just until coated.
  4. Add in the eggs, cheese and bread crumbs and mix gently with a large spoon until the mixture is combined.
  5. Set aside while you place a medium non-stick pan over medium heat and add in 2 Tbl of oil.
  6. Once the oil starts to shimmer (about a minute or two), using dampened hands (the mixture will stick to you if you don’t), scoop a 1/2 cup of mixture into the palm of your hand and gently shape into a burger all the while pressing together. The mixture should hold a burger shape. If it doesn’t add just a Tbl more of bread crumbs.
  7. Place in the oil and cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and a crust has formed on each side.
  8. Serve with hummus, guacamole or steak sauce
Notes
I get asked this a lot – how to make it vegan. I’m not a vegan so I have to trust in the comments that you guys provide.
1. To not use eggs, most folks go with 1 tablespoon of flax seed meal and 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.
2. For the cheese, go with vegan cheese or even nutritional yeast.

Make Ahead
1. It is NOT recommend to mix this up, shape the patties then hold to cook. You cannot do this as the mushrooms will start to seep water and the patties will turn mushy.

Freezing Instructions
1. My recommendation is to form the patties, cook per the instructions, allow to cool then freeze. You must cook these fully prior to freezing.
2. To reheat just pop them into the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes or even in a microwave.