Mushroom and Quinoa Burger Paired with Limbo Red

If you’re a wine and burger lover, then you know the importance of finding the perfect pairing. This Mushroom and Quinoa Burger is not only a healthy but when paired with Blacksmith Wines Limbo Red, it becomes an irresistible culinary experience. Recipe compliments of The South African Mushroom Farmers‘ Association.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 3 large portobello mushrooms
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (from about ½ uncooked)
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• To serve:
• 4 burger buns of choice, toasted
• Lettuce, *mayonnaise, cucumber ribbons, red onion slices, bean sprouts
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Prick sweet potato all over with a fork; rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast directly on an oven rack until tender, 45-60 minutes. (Place a baking tray below to catch any drippings) Allow to cool. Remove and discard skin; mash flesh with a fork. Set aside.
2. Roughly chop portobello mushrooms and blitz in a food processor until very finely chopped.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over low. Cook shallot and chilli flakes, until shallot is tender. Add mushrooms and cook until they release all their liquid. Transfer to a large bowl; mix in quinoa and season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
4. Add breadcrumbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and mashed sweet potato and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Divide mixture into 4 and form into patties, pressing firmly together with your hands. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium and cook patties until golden brown and the edges are crisp.
6. Build burgers with all the fixings and serve straight away.

Chef’s tip: Use vegan mayonnaise to keep this recipe 100% vegan.