Buffalo Quinoa Burgers

Say hello to a next-level veggie burger.

INGREDIENTS

• 7 teaspoons canola oil, divided

• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped peeled carrot
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa 
• 1/2 cup panko 
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups canned unsalted chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons Schultz's Spicy Original cooking sauce
• 4 (1 1/2-ounce) whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
• 4 romaine lettuce leaves
• 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato

 OPTIONAL: blue cheese crumbles, pickles and avocado slices

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons oil; swirl to coat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add 3/4 cup water and quinoa; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Spoon cooked quinoa onto a large plate; cool 5 minutes. Combine quinoa mixture, panko, salt, pepper, chickpeas, and egg in a food processor; pulse until chickpeas are slightly mashed and mixture comes together. Shape quinoa mixture into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) patties.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add patties to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

3. Combine remaining 2 teaspoons oil and Schultz's Spicy Original sauce in a bowl. Place patties on bottom halves of buns; top evenly with hot sauce mixture, lettuce, tomato, any additional toppings and top halves of buns.