Fabulous Freekeh Patties with Five-Star Sauce

Burgers are always a hit in Tami’s house, and these Fabulous Freekeh Patties have earned the title of “best of the best.” With their mouthwatering flavor and texture, these patties are sure to become a family favorite. They are not only delicious but also a convenient option for quick meals, as they can be stored in the freezer for ultrafast dinners. Serve them with all your favorite burger fixings, including pickles, for a classic and satisfying meal. Some testers have even suggested serving them as steaks with a delectable sauce (see opposite page) due to their exceptional taste and versatility.

YIELD: This recipe yields approximately 8 Fabulous Freekeh Patties.

INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR THE BURGERS:

• 2 cups (288 g) vital wheat gluten
• 1 cup (231 g) cooked cracked freekeh
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (10 g) garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (10 g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup (235 ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tamari
• 2 tablespoons (33 g) organic ketchup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• Neutral-flavored oil, for cooking

FOR THE COOKING BROTH:

• 3 cups (705 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tamari
• 1 tablespoon (16 g) organic ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• Salt and black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C, or gas mark 2).
2. Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a medium-size bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, cooked cracked freekeh, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, paprika, and ground black pepper.
3. In a measuring cup, stir together the vegetable broth, tamari, organic ketchup, olive oil, and liquid smoke to create the wet ingredients.
4. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of broth (15 ml) or vital wheat gluten (9 g) to form a cohesive dough.
6. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then divide it into 8 equal portions, each approximately 3.7 ounces (105 g).
7. Using your hands and a Silpat or parchment paper, pat the dough portions into burgers, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) across and 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick. You may need to pinch parts of the burger together to ensure they hold their shape.
8. Cook the Burgers: Heat a thin layer of neutral-flavored oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Cook the burgers in batches for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until they become browned and crispy.
10. Bake the Burgers: In a large roasting pan, stir together the cooking-broth ingredients.
11. Place the cooked burgers into the broth, covering the pan tightly with foil.
12. Bake the burgers in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
13. After baking, turn off the heat and let the burgers remain in the oven for an additional 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
14. Let the burgers cool in the remaining broth.
15. Storage and Final Cooking: Once cooled completely, the burgers can be wrapped airtight and frozen for up to 3 months or refrigerated for up to 3 days. For the best texture, ensure the burgers are fully cooled before serving or freezing.
16. To serve, heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
17. Cook the burgers for 3 to 6 minutes on each side until they become browned and crisp.
18. Serve the Fabulous Freekeh Patties on buns with your choice of toppings, and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying burger experience.

NOTE:

• With their delectable taste and freezer-friendly nature, these patties are perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying whenever you crave a delicious and nutritious meal. Pair them with the five-star sauce on the opposite page for an even more extraordinary dining experience.