Wild Rice and Black Bean Burger Recipe

Wild Rice and Black Bean Burger Recipe

Original Article Published: 08/15/2022

Craft a Nutritious Culinary Masterpiece with This Wild Rice and Black Bean Burger Recipe

I absolutely love this Wild Rice and Black Bean Burger recipe. These burgers are nutrient-rich, veggie-focused, balanced, and full of flavor.

As a bonus, choosing plant-based options like these burgers can have a lower environmental impact compared to meat-based burgers!

Two burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeno piled high.

Why I Love To Make Veggie Burgers

In my grad school days, I attempted my first homemade veggie burger with less success than I hoped. Now, five years later, I’m married to a veggie burger enthusiast who prefers them bean-based and spicy. That led me to create this wild rice burger recipe using wild rice from a previous meal, combined with beans and spicy peppers.

Tools Needed For This Recipe

Veggie Burger Patties on a white background next to a plate of tomatoes just cut out of frame to the left of the patties.

Ingredients

  • Wild Rice (or brown rice)
  • Black Beans
  • Peppers
  • Egg
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Herbs
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Avocado oil (olive oil works too)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Black Beans

Pour off the water from the soaked black beans and transfer them to a pot on the stove.

Cover with water and cook for 40 minutes on medium heat. After cooking, set aside to cool.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a pan, sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic in 1 tbsp avocado oil until they are translucent. Allow them to cool.

Prepare The Burger Mixture

In a food processor, combine the cooked wild rice, cooked black beans, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped jalapeños, oregano, fresh parsley, eggs, and bread crumbs. Pulse until thoroughly combined.

Season the mixture with the salt and black pepper.

Forming the Burger Patties

Using clean hands, shape the mixture into patties of burger size, making 7-9 patties. If the mixture appears too moist, consider adding additional breadcrumbs to enhance binding.

Cooking the Burgers

Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. (Use 1 tbsp avocado oil for 4 patties.)

Serve

Serve the Wild Rice and Black Bean Burgers on your favorite bun with your preferred toppings and condiments. Consider adding lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, or your favorite sauce.

Two burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeno piled high.

Serving Suggestions

For my Wild Rice and Black Bean Burgers, I keep it classic but add a kick with fresh jalapeños. Load up your burger with lettuce (butter lettuce if available), thick slices of red onion, seasonal heirloom tomatoes, raw jalapeño, avocado, and a smear of mayo.

Don’t skimp on the toppings—go for big, thick slices of red onion and farm-fresh tomatoes. And of course, always toast those burger buns for that perfect crunch!

Freezing Wild Rice and Black Bean Burgers

  1. Wrap Individually:
    • Individually wrap each burger in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place pieces of parchment paper between the burgers to prevent them from sticking together.
  2. Place in a Freezer Bag:
    • Transfer the wrapped burgers into a freezer-safe, airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  3. Label and Date:
    • Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the burgers have been in the freezer.
  4. Freeze Flat:
    • If you have space, freeze the burgers in a flat layer. Once they are frozen solid, you can stack them more efficiently.

A hand holding a veggie burger with lettuce, red onion slices, a tomato slice, and fresh slices jalapeno.

Reheating Frozen Wild Rice and Black Bean Burgers

  • Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the frozen burgers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave: Remove the plastic wrap or foil, place the frozen burger on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on medium power for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Stovetop: Thaw the burgers in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side.

Pro Tip: Opt for Soaked, Dried Beans

Consider using soaked, dried beans instead of canned ones in this burger recipe. Why? It’s all about the texture!

Enjoy This Recipe? Try These with The Burger!

Easy Herb Focaccia

Pickled Beets with Mustard Seeds

Horseradish Aioli

Wild Rice and Black Bean Burger

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Burger will wow even those beef loving burger fans! It's not loaded with weird ingredients, and it's not trying to mimic a beef burger! It's yummy and delicious in its own creation.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 7 servings
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor
  • 1 Measuring spoons Set
  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup cooked wild rice or quinoa, brown rice etc
  • cups dried black beans, soaked for 24hours in the fridge
  • ¼ onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large eggs
  • 2 jalapenos
  • ½ tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil, divided

Instructions
 

Prepare the Black Beans

  • Pour off the water from the soaked black beans and transfer them to a pot on the stove.
  • Cover with water and cook for 40min on medium heat. After cooking, set aside to cool.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

  • In a pan, sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic in 1 tbsp avocado oil until they are translucent. Allow them to cool.

Prepare The Burger Mixture

  • In a food processor, combine the cooked wild rice, cooked black beans, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped jalapeños, oregano, fresh parsley, eggs, and bread crumbs. Pulse until thoroughly combined.
  • Season the mixture with the salt and black pepper.

Forming the Patties

  • Using clean hands, shape the mixture into patties of burger size, making 7-9 patties. If the mixture appears too moist, consider adding additional breadcrumbs to enhance binding.

Cooking the Burgers

  • Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. (Use 1 tbsp avocado oil for 4 patties.)

Serve

  • Serve the Wild Rice and Black Bean Burgers on your favorite bun with your preferred toppings and condiments. Consider adding lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, or your favorite sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 11gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 152mgPotassium: 683mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 187IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg
Keyword black bean
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake

Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake

Baked Goat Cheese Pasta

If you’re somewhat engaged on social media, chances are you’ve come across multiple videos or recipes showcasing the Baked Feta Pasta trend. It’s a social media craze that I wholeheartedly support. I’m so enamored with it that I’ve chosen to share my take on it with a dedicated post featuring my Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake.

I modified the classic Baked Feta Pasta by changing the cheese ) and bumping up the veggies and flavors. My variation is easy but adds more color, one of my favorite cheeses, and even a secret ingredient, Harissa!

I finish this recipe off with tons of fresh basil and parsley. This gives each bite a refreshingly perfect herb essence. Give this recipe a spritz of lemon for an even more delicious zesty flavor. 

A pule of pasta with veggies on a white bowl

The Ingredients for this Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake

Baking and combining these ingredients results in a delectable sauce, perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or an exceptional pasta dish for any occasion.

Pre-Bake

  • Goat Cheese
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions – I use shallots
  • Garlic
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos
  • Olive Oil
  • Thyme
  • Red Pepper Flakes

Post-Bake

  • Pasta
  • Pasta Water
  • Harissa
  • Basil

Top down of veggies and goat cheese with herbs on a baking dish

Other Veggies Additions

  • Mushrooms
  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Green Beans
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Zucchini
  • Olives
  • Herbs

How to Make Baked Goat Cheese Pasta

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a baking pan, add the chopped shallot, minced garlic, tomatoes, peppers, goat cheese, olive oil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. 
  4. Bake the veggies and cheese for 35 to 40 minutes. 
  5. Once the cheese and veggies finish in the oven, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, and Harissa. 
  6. Top with fresh herbs and enjoy. 

Pasta in a white bowl with a noodle pull and veggies.

Some Info About Harissa

It wasn’t until I read a cookbook called Dining In, by Alison Roman, that I really started to appreciate Harissa and its versatility. Roman discusses how Harissa is a staple in her kitchen and after reviewing some of her recipes, I knew there were many kitchen adventures to be had. 

What is Harissa?

Harissa is a hot chili pepper paste native to the Maghreb, the Northwest region of Africa. The main ingredients are red pepper spices, herbs, garlic, and oil. Harissa has a peppery and smokey flavor that can have a wide range of heat levels. 

How to use Harissa?

You can use Harissa in a burger recipe, or on the burger as a condiment, mixed in a salad dressing, or mixed in with hummus and/or yogurt dip. Furthermore, Harissa can be featured in a pasta dish, as I do in this recipe! 

Why I use Harissa in this dish

I adore the fiery kick that Harissa adds to this dish. Bursting with flavor from peppers and spices, Harissa infuses the Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake with a smoky and tangy bite.

Serving utensils in a baking dish with pasta and veggies.

Like This Recipe? You Will Love These Too!

Easy Southwest Bowls with Marinated Chicken

Easy Herb Focaccia

Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce

Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Try this dreamy and delicious Pasta with Goat Cheese Bake. I spice things up by adding one of my favorite condiments, Harrisa!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 660 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Dish
  • 1 Tongs

Ingredients
  

Pre-bake

  • 4 oz goat cheese -see recipe notes
  • 2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeno diced
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Post-bake

  • 16 oz pasta with pasta water reserved
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley & basil minced
  • 1/4 cup harissa
  • 1/4 cup pasta water reserved form making your pasta
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

Pre-Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a baking pan, add the chopped shallot, minced garlic, tomatoes, peppers, goat cheese, olive oil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Bake the veggies and cheese for 35 to 40 minutes. 

Post-Bake

  • Once the cheese and veggies finish in the oven, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, and Harissa. 
  • Top with fresh herbs and enjoy. 

Notes

Option to use more goat cheese based on the eaters' preference! In these pictures, I used 4oz but the more cheese the creamier! I recommend doubling or even tripling for a more creamy cheesy dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 660kcalCarbohydrates: 95gProtein: 22gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 499mgPotassium: 610mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2174IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 4mg
Keyword cheese, goat cheese, Noodles, pasta, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Easy Herb Focaccia From Pizza Dough

Easy Herb Focaccia From Pizza Dough

Easy Herb Focaccia From Pizza Dough

Savor the simplicity of this easy herb focaccia from pizza dough, a delightful blend of fresh herbs and olive oil atop a pillowy, golden crust. Create this recipe with a handful of ingredients, pillowy pizza dough, olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and sprinkled with a medley of fragrant herbs.

Focaccia sliced on a cutting board with a tan linen napkin.

Why You Will Want To Make This Recipe Again and Again

Experience the advantages of freshly baked bread without the extensive effort and time investment. This Easy Herb Focaccia recipe is ready in just around 30 minutes for a quick and delightful side that can be added to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or eaten as a snack. 

Ingredients for This Easy Herb Focaccia From Pizza Dough

  • Pizza Dough – I often use Pillsbury
  • Olive Oil
  • Tomato
  • Herbs
  • Salt & Pepper

 

Uncooked focaccia in a glass pan with sliced tomatoes and herbs to the left top corner

How to Make This Easy Herb Focaccia From Pizza Dough

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Move the rack toward the top 1/3 section of the oven. 

Prepare the pan

Grease a quarter-sized baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish with olive oil.

Roll out the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet or dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared pan.

Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.

Add Oil and Herbs

Drizzle the olive oil over the dough, making sure to get it into the dimples. Lay tomato slices over the focaccia. Sprinkle chopped rosemary, thyme, and sea salt evenly over the top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm with additional olive oil for dipping, if desired.

Focaccia top down close up

What to Pair with This Recipe

Focaccia pairs well with a variety of healthy options.

Focaccia top down in a ceramic pan

Like This Recipe? You Will Love These Too!

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein] – one of my most popular recipes!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with a Herbed Chestnut Topping

Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Herb Focaccia

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Herb Focaccia is super easy because I use store bought, premade pizza dough!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 46 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Dish 13x9 or sheet pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pizza Dough I used pilsbury refrigerated dough
  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tomato, sliced Really, it's 1/2 to 1 whole tomato. Per bakers preference.
  • ½ tsp Minced fresh rosemary Rosemary is to be removed from it's stem. The amount is per the bakers preference.
  • ½ tsp Minced or whole fresh thyme Thyme is to be removed from the stem. Because the thyme is already very small, mincing is optional. Amount is per bakers preference.
  • ½ tsp Kosher Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Move the rack toward the top 1/3 section of the oven. 

Prepare the pan

  • Grease a quarter sized baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish with olive oil.

Roll out the dough

  • Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet or dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared pan.
  • Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.

Add oil and herbs

  • Drizzle the olive oil over the dough, making sure to get it into the dimples. Lay tomato slices over the focaccia. Sprinkle chopped rosemary, thyme, and sea salt evenly over the top.

Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown.

Cool and Serve

  • Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm with additional olive oil for dipping, if desired.

Notes

This recipe is Vegan and Vegetarian. 

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 51mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword 5-ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Simple Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Smoked Trout

Simple Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Smoked Trout

Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Roasted Root Vegetables, Quinoa, Smoked Trout, and Walnuts

This Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad has roasted root vegetables, quinoa, smoked fish, pickled beets, and a Creamy Apple Walnut Dressing. Finished off with more toasted walnuts, this salad is everything you need in a meal.

A stoneware bowl with arugula and spinach salad topped with toasted vegetables, quinoa, smoked fish, pickled beets, toasted walnuts, and a creamy walnut dressing.

Why I Made This Recipe

I am always looking for different ways to incorporate a salad as the main meal. This salad does just that. Each layer adds a new element to the dish with different flavors, textures, and nutrition.

This vibrant spinach arugula salad features the added tanginess and color of quick-pickled beets, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Enjoy the medley of textures and tastes, complemented by the creamy apple walnut dressing.

Ingredients

For The Roasted Root Vegetables:

  • root vegetables diced (such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and turnips)
  • avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • Kosher salt
  • black pepper

For the Salad and Assembly:

  • 8 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and mesclun)
  • Roasted Root Vegetables
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 14 oz locally sourced smoked fish (such as trout or salmon, about 3.5oz per serving)
  • 1 cup quick pickled beets, drained and sliced (recipe below)
  • 1 cup Creamy Apple Walnut Dressing (recipe below)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

 

labeled image of ingredients for the layered spinach and arugula salad. Ingredients separated in bowls and on plates.

 

How To Make This Recipe 

  • Roast the Root Vegetables:
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Toss the cubed root vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender. Set aside to cool.
  • Assemble the Salad:
    • For family style: In a large bowl or platter, layer the mixed greens, roasted root vegetables, cooked quinoa, smoked fish fillets, and pickled beets. Drizzle the Creamy Apple Walnut Dressing over the salad and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
    • For individual portions: Divide the salad among individual plates. For each serving layer 2 cups mixed greens, 1 cup roasted root vegetables, ¾ cup quinoa, 3.5oz smoked fish, ¼ cup sliced pickled beets, ¼ cup salad dressing, and 2 tbsp walnut pieces.

 

Hand sprinkling walnuts over Arugula and Spinach Salad with bright red beets and a creamy walnut dressing

Making Layering Salads

When you break down a complex salad like this into its layers, it’s pretty simple and easy to recreate or make variations. Once you break it down, you will love making layered salad recipes over and over again. 

Base: Fresh salad Greens such as arugula, baby spinach, kale, romaine, and butter lettuce.

Veggies: Raw or Cooked veggies such as carrots, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, or cucumber.

Grains/Starches: I like to include grains and starches for fiber and carbohydrates such as pasta, farro, crispy rice, quinoa, potatoes, or croutons.

Protein: Think animal or plant-based proteins such as fish, chicken, baked tofu, legumes, or hunks of feta cheese.

Dressing: Find a dressing that will pair well with the flavors of your salad, like my Creamy Vegan Apple Walnut Dressing, Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette, Cashew Caesar Dressings, or a Lemon Vinaigrette made with fresh lemon juice.

Add-ins: This might be an added texture or nutrition addition such as nuts and seeds, dried fruit, or a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with smoked fish, pickled beets, and a creamy walnut dressing. To the right is linen napkin and a fork.

 

Enjoy This Arugula and Spinach Salad? Try These Other Salad Recipes

Easy Lemon Cucumber Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette

Kale Apple Walnut Salad

Warm Brussel Sprouts Salad with Acorn Squash

A stoneware bowl with arugula and spinach salad topped with toasted vegetables, quinoa, smoked fish, pickled beets, toasted walnuts, and a creamy walnut dressing.

Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Roasted Root Vegetables, Quinoa, Smoked Trout, and Walnuts

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad has roasted root vegetables, quinoa, smoked fish, pickled beets, and a Creamy Apple Walnut Dressing. Finished off with more toasted walnuts, this salad is everything you need in a meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 565 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Sauce Pan
  • salad platter or 4 plates for serving

Ingredients
  

For The Roasted Root Vegetables

  • 4 cups root vegetables, diced
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For The Salad and Assembly

  • 4 cups spinach
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 4 cups roasted root vegetables (see above)
  • 3 cups cooked quinoa
  • 14 oz smoked trout or other high-temperature smoked fish like salmon or sablefish
  • 1 cup pickled beets, drained and sliced
  • 1 cup Creamy Apple Walnut Dressing
  • ½ cup toasted walnut pieces

Instructions
 

Roast the Root Vegetables:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Toss the cubed root vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and tender. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Salad:

  • For family style: In a large salad bowl or platter, layer the mixed greens, roasted root vegetables, cooked quinoa, smoked fish fillets, and pickled beets. Drizzle the creamy apple walnut dressing over the salad and top with toasted walnuts.
  • For individual portions: Divide the salad among individual plates. For each serving layer 2 cups mixed greens, 1 cup roasted root vegetables, ¾ cup quinoa, 3.5oz smoked fish, ¼ cup sliced pickled beets, ¼ cup salad dressing, and 2 tbsp walnut pieces.

Notes

nutrition information for creamy apple walnut dressing not included

Nutrition

Calories: 565kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 1494mgPotassium: 1281mgFiber: 13gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 3395IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 166mgIron: 6mg
Keyword salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Colored purplish red from the beets, quick Pickled Beets with Mustard Seeds ino a glass jar on a cutting board.

Quick Pickled Beets and Mustard Seeds

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
The sweet, earthy beets meet the bold kick of mustard seeds in every delightful bite
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Refrigerator time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 35 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce Pan
  • 1 Mandolin or sharp knife
  • 1 16 or 24oz sanitized jar and lid

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium sized beets, peeled
  • 1⅓ cups vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • optional: honey or sugar to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beets

  • Peel and slice or wedge the beets. Use a mandoline for even slices or cut them into uniform pieces by hand.

Step 2: Cook the Beets (Optional)

  • For a softer texture, place the beets in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can skip this step and use raw beets.

Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Liquid

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add the Spices

  • Add the mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf (if using) to the pickling liquid. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Pickle the Beets

  • Place the cooked or raw beet slices into a clean jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate

  • Allow the beets to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar or container and refrigerate. The beets will be ready to eat after at least 2 hours, but they taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 317mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
Keyword 5-ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Image of Creamy Vegan Apple Walnut Dressing

Creamy Vegan Apple Walnut Dressing

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Creamy Vegan Apple Walnut Dressing has apple cider, apple cider vinegar, walnut oil, and walnuts to a sweet and creamy dressing that is perfect for those autumn and winter time salads.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 169 kcal

Equipment

  • high powered blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup walnut oil or other oil such as olive or avocado
  • 1/3 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup optional
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until combined and creamy.

Notes

Try this with my Kale Apple Walnut Salad!
For a thinner dressing, add apple cider or water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency. 

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 76mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword winter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce

Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce

Easy Rice Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce

Ever crave a big ole’ bowl of noodles? I sure do. Noodles are my favorite food. I don’t make such a statement lightly. There is something about the mouthfeel of noodles, so smooth and chewy, that is just so comforting.

Why I Love This Rice Noodle with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

I love this recipe because, it’s a quick, easy, and healthy noodle recipe but also super delicious. The Tahini Sauce is a perfect complement. It creates a velvety, nutty flavor and aroma. 

Many of my noodle dishes are inspired by other marvelous dishes. This dish is inspired by Thai peanut noodles and Dan Dan noodles some of my favorite noodle slurping dishes!

 

Stir Fry Noodle pull with chopsticks on a wooden cutting board.

Ingredients

Noodles: I use rice noodles in this dish. Noodles come in many widths and sizes. Some Noodles are thin like vermicelli or round and wide like udon. I recommend using a Pad Thai style, which is known for its dried, flat, and wide noodles. Here is one noodle I like to use, from the Thai kitchen. 

Veggies: You can get creative with veggies for this recipe. I chose carrots, bell peppers, and jalapenos. I love carrots in a warm and cozy noodle dish. The jalapenos and green bell peppers also pair nicely.

Some other veggie variations to try:

  • Broccoli, napa cabbage, onion
  • Celery, carrot, snow peas
  • Edamame, red cabbage, cauliflower

Spicy: As always, spiciness is optional because it is not for everyone. But hey, this is a Spicy Tahini Noodle recipe! You could omit the spicy element and bump up the flavor with some garlic too. 

Protein: Go ahead and use your favorite protein in this noodle dish. I chose a yummy, yet spicy, homemade jalapeno-picked egg. Keep things vegan by topping this recipe with some Baked Tofu.

Tahini Sauce: I make noodles so often that I have tried hundreds of combinations and ratios of ingredients. Due to my long history of noodle adventures, I usually eyeball the sauce, give it a taste, and adjust the ingredients as needed. However, if you need a blueprint, no worries! This combination (written in the recipe at the bottom of this post) will leave you blown away.

Garnish: A garnish can transform any dish into a work of art. When considering the following elements, color, taste, texture, and nutrition garnishes are not something that is thrown aside! In this recipe, I garnish with sesame seeds, green onion, and basil. But technically the egg is a garnish too! 

Other garnish ideas include a wedge of lime or freshly squeezed lime juice, black pepper, a drizzle of maple syrup, a splash of soy sauce, or even an extra drizzle of creamy sauce. 

How To Make This Recipe

A standout feature of noodle recipes is the ease of its creation. Check out my instructions below.

To make Spicy Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Adjust the spice level and sweetness according to your preference.

Cook The Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

Heat avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add the carrot, bell peppers, jalapeno, and scallions to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.

Pour the spicy tahini stir fry sauce over the vegetables and toss until well coated.

Add Sauce and Noodles

Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan and gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the vegetables are distributed throughout.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and add the desired garnish. Serve immediately. 

 

 

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Tahini

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. It is similar to peanut butter but instead of grounding peanuts to a pulp (or butter), it is made from ground sesame seeds. In tahini, the sesame seeds are toasted, ground, and finally emulsified with oil, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.

Tahini has its own wonderful flavor, much like a nutty earthy nut or seed butter. If you don’t have tahini for a recipe, you may be able to substitute a nut or seed butter along with some sesame oil.

Tahini is a major ingredient in a very popular snack food, hummus! Some other culinary uses for tahini include salad dressings, dips (such as hummus or baba ghanoush), used as a condiment, in a baked good (like cake), stirred into a soup, sauce, or smoothie, or you might also want to drizzle over some chickpeas or falafel.

If you want to learn more about how to use tahini in your kitchen check out these articles by Serious Eats, and Bon Appetit.

Stir Fry Noodle pull with chopsticks on a wooden cutting board.

 

Enjoy This Recipe? Try These!

Vegan Yakisoba-Inspired Noodles

Easy Baked Tofu

Vegan Kimchi Instant Ramen Recipe

Stir Fry Noodle pull with chopsticks on a wooden cutting board.

Rice Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
These Rice Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce are quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 571 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pan
  • 1 Mason Jar

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 diced bell pepper
  • 2 minced jalapeno
  • 4 chopped scallions
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 4 hard boiled eggs or pickled eggs
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

Spicy Tahini Sauce

  • cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp chili crisp
  • 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
  • ½ cup starchy noodle water
  • tsp cracked black pepper

Garnish

  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • ¼ basil jullianed
  • 5 scallions cut into long spears

Instructions
 

To make Spicy Tahini Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients. Adjust the spice level and sweetness according to your preference.

Cook The Noodles

  • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

  • Add the carrot, bell peppers, jalapeno, and scallions to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  • Pour the spicy tahini stir fry sauce over the vegetables and toss until well coated.

Add Sauce and Noodles

  • Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan and gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the vegetables are distributed throughout.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the pan from the heat and add the desired garnish. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 571kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 16gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 1124mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 6898IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 195mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Noodles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits

Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits

Gluten-Free Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits

My Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits are not only delicious but they are also made with coconut flour and cornmeal! These Drop Biscuits have texture, are buttery, and are super versatile! You can eat this sweet summery biscuit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 

Bonus, it is gluten-free!

In this article, I will bring you behind the scenes of my test kitchen, discuss some of these Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits’ key ingredients, and then dive into this article’s Sharper Nutrition Fix: Coconut Flour. 

 

Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuit on a blue checkered napkin next to a plate of biscuits.

Sarah’s Biscuit Recipe Background

A little background behind these Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits. I LOVE fresh-baked, cornbread. I especially love from-scratch cornbread with little chunks of love inside, like corn, jalapenos, herbs, and you guessed it, strawberries

Additionally, I recently discovered coconut flour and I am fascinated with it! You can find more information about coconut flour below, in the Sharper Nutrition Fix section.

I found myself in the kitchen wanting to create a filling drop biscuit recipe. Yet, I also wanted to create a recipe that incorporated cornmeal and my newfound favorite, coconut flour. Usually, I like my cornbread recipes savory and baked in a cast-iron skillet. However, for this recipe, I wanted something light, a bit chunky, and perfect for a spring or summertime meal.

My Test Kitchen

After my 5th attempt at work-shopping my Strawberry Cornbread Muffin recipe in the test kitchen, I put my apron up and said, “Okay, coconut flour muffins are hard”. One of my Cornbread Muffin batches came out similar to the texture of a biscuit. Um, I LOVE biscuits. Following some yummy tweaks, this Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuit recipe was born!

Key Ingredients in Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits

  • Strawberries: Truly the star of the show, strawberries make this drop biscuit what they are, Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits. This recipe is a great way to incorporate your next strawberry haul from your local strawberry farmer! With 2 whole cups incorporated into these biscuits, it’s just another way to incorporate the beautiful rose-colored fruit into your diet. 
  • Corn: One of the things I love most about this ingredient is how it is available at any time of year! I LOVE canned corn. Canned corn is a sustainable and tasty way to enjoy these heavenly golden kernels we call corn. Furthermore, corn adds a pop of sweet-nutty flavor to every bite of this drop biscuit. 
  • Strawberry Honey Butter: Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits with some sweet and delectable Strawberry Honey Butter! This honey butter goes great with any fresh baked goods. The Honey Butter is made with Sarah’s Strawberry Sauce, Honey, and Butter. I have been known to swap out my Strawberry Sauce for garlic and slather this over some salmon! Yum!

 

Red Strawberries in a stone colored bowl

How to Make These Biscuits

  1. Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut up butter into cubes, place on a plate, and pop in the freezer while you mix your dry ingredients.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Mix the eggs and milk in a separate smaller bowl.
  6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients, strawberries, and corn. Stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are some lumps.
  7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on the edges.
  9. Make Honey butter while the biscuits are baking. Melt butter in the microwave. Mix in Honey and Strawberry sauce or jam. 
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

 

A plate of Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits on a white plate over a blue checkard print linen

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Coconut Flour

There are three reasons I like to bake and cook with coconut flour.

  1. Coconut flour is the natural byproduct of coconut milk production.
  2. It is cheaper than Almond Flour! Like, a lot cheaper. This makes sense, it is a natural byproduct of another industry.
  3. It is high in fiber! Just ½ cup of Coconut flour has 20 grams.

 

Like This Recipe? You Will Love These Too!

Mini Sweet Cream Pancakes with Maple Peanut Butter Syrup

Strawberry Cornbread Muffins Recipe

Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter

Drop Biscuit

Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits (Gluten-Free)

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This is a drop biscuit with added strawberries and corn! Served with Strawberry Honey Butter this recipe is Gluten-Free!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 14 biscuits
Calories 281 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • Baking Sheet
  • Spoon or 2" Ice Cream Scooper
  • measuring spoons
  • Fork or Pastry Cutter

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cornmeal
  • 1 cup Coconut flour
  • ½ cup Coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder
  • ¼ tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup Cold butter cubed and frozen for 5 min prior to use
  • 1 cup Skim milk or any other milk of choice
  • 2 Eggs

Add ins

  • 1 cup Corn
  • 2 cups Strawberries, diced

Strawberry Honey Butter

  • ¼ cup Sarah's Strawberry Sauce or store bought strawberry jam or preserves
  • ¼ cup Honey
  • ½ cup Butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut up butter into cubes, place on a plate and pop in the freezer while you mix your dry ingredients.
  • Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Mix the eggs and milk in a separate smaller bowl.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients, strawberries, and corn. Stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are some lumps.
  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on the edges.
  • Make Honey butter while the biscuits are baking. Melt butter in the microwave. Mix in Honey and Strawberry sauce or jam.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Sharper Tip: Serve these with Honey Butter and Sarah’s Strawberry Sauce drizzled over top!
The left over Honey Butter, if any, can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1biscuitCalories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 5gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 595IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 1mg
Keyword strawberry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!