Are you discouraged when going to a barbeque or picnic because you really don’t want the added fat from those meats? Well, you can just go for the salads but what if there was a meatless burger that was quite tasty? I have tasted some of the frozen ones in the health food sections of the grocery stores and most of them are just ok. I have to add things to hide the fact that there may not be much flavor offered in some them.

Here is a great meatless burger recipe to try. It contains whole grains and tasty spices. If you do not want the dairy products in there, I have made sure that there are some alternative ingredients. The grains fill you up and provide a great source of fiber. Enjoy.

Meatless Grain Burgers

½ cup uncooked brown rice ½ cup uncooked bulgur 1 tablespoon of your favorite salt-free seasoning ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning 2 cups of water 2 cups of fresh mushrooms (finely chopped) ¾ cup of old fashioned oats (uncooked) 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (or veggie shreds) 1/3 cup of onion (finely chopped) ½ cup low-fat or fat free cottage cheese (crumbed tofu) ¼ cup egg substitute or egg whites (or plain regular yogurt or soy yogurt) 2 table spoons of fresh minced parsley 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon dried basil 1/8 teaspoon celery seed 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided 12 sandwich rolls, optional

In a medium to large saucepan, combine rice, bulgur, salt-free seasoning, poultry seasoning and water. Bring this mixture to a boil. Next reduce the heat, simmer covered for 30 minutes or until the rice has become tender. When complete, completely cool and refrigerate.

Next combine mushrooms, oats, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese and onion in a large bowl. Next process the cottage cheese and egg substitute in a blender until smooth and add to the mushroom mixture. Then take the parsley, salt, basil, celery seed and chilled rice mixture and stir in to the mixture.

Take ½ cup of mixture and shape into patties. Cook on the grill or broiler until heated thoroughly. Or in a non-stick skillet (for about five minutes) with a teaspoon of olive oil.