As any vegan who has been out for dinner with friends will know, veggie burgers can often be a bit of a let-down. Our chefs are here to put that right.
This brilliantly inventive, gluten free bunless burger is packed with flavour and what's more, it couldn't be easier to make.
The tofu and chickpea patty will develop a lovely crispy coating as it bakes, while the tangy sweet chilli sauce and papaya combo creates a tempting topping that's much more exciting than the cold slice of tomato you'd usually get.
As you can see, it's also a very colourful, appealing dish that would be welcome at any dinner table. This really is a dirty burger with a difference!
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 400g tofu
- 150g chickpeas
- 80g papaya
- 60g sweet chilli sauce
- 1 avocado
- ½ a red onion
- 20g spinach
- 3g sesame seeds
- 12g coriander
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- Pinch of salt
How to make
- Preheat the oven to 180C.
- Grate the tofu and mix with chopped coriander.
- Dice the onion and sauté with the chilli powder for two minutes on a medium heat.
- Add this to the tofu mixture.
- Take half the tofu mixture, grate the papaya and mix together with the sweet chilli sauce. Leave to one side.
- Pulse the chickpeas in a food processor and mix well with the other half of the tofu mix.
- Mould the chickpea and tofu mixture into two patties, place on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.
- Halve the avocado and discard the stone.
- Sprinkle both halves with sesame seeds and save for the burger lid.
- Arrange the spinach on a plate and top with the patties.
- Top this with the tofu and papaya mix, followed by the avocado halves.
What is tofu?
Tofu is made from curdled soy milk, and is thought to have been discovered by accident in China around 2000 years ago. This mistake is now a staple of East Asian cuisine. Once the milk is curdled, it's cooled and pressed to remove the liquid, creating the blocks you can buy at your local supermarket.
This recipe serves tofu in two ways. The crunchy tofu burger is topped with a soft, sweet mixture of grated tofu, papaya and chilli sauce. Tofu is great at absorbing flavour, so the spice will really come through in this dish.
Why is it good for you?
Tofu is popular because it's one of the few plant-based complete proteins, so nutritionally speaking it's a worthy substitute for meat. A complete protein is a food that provides all the essential amino acids your body needs, which is important for many key functions in your body, such as muscle building, wound healing and fat loss.
What is papaya?
Papaya (sometimes known as paw-paw) is a tropical fruit grown in Central America. Its smooth texture and sweet taste means it's often compared to melon, mango or peach.
Why is it good for you?
If you were paying attention to our post on the pros and cons of going vegan, you'll know that yellow fruit such as papaya is rich in beta carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This has anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep your immune system strong. It's also an important nutrient to maintain good vision and healthy skin.
Like many fruits, papaya is also high in Vitamin C. This has many health benefits, including boosting the immune system, helping to heal wounds and maintaining healthy skin, joints, bones and blood vessels.
It's easy to see why we're encouraged to eat plenty of fruit!
Want more vegan recipes?
If you enjoyed this burger, why not try some of the other vegan treats our chefs have created?
Banana and peanut bowl
Tofu tagine
Avocado fudge
Pina colada chia pudding
