Yes, we are talking about spinach "burgers" today! My zucchini fritters that I made the other month were such a hit that I wanted to re-create something similar but using a different vegetable. I decided to use spinach because it is the one veggie that I always seem to have an abundance of in my fridge. I think it is because it only takes about 2 minutes to steam so it has become such a lifesaver on those nights when you don't feel like cooking or are too rushed for time. 

One thing I love about this recipe is that it only takes 10 minutes to make and you can really add any seasonings you want depending on your taste buds. Each time you make it can be completely different than the last! I thought that satueéing the onion and garlic before adding it to the mix really enhanced the flavor because they were able to brown and become caramelized. The onions add such a sweet flavor and textual complexity.

I stuck to the ingredients that I had on hand this time- the usual suspects of onion, garlic, sea salt, and pepper but adding some red pepper or chili powder would give the spinach "burger" a kick or you could crumble in some feta cheese or sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flare. 

These burgers really resembled a vegetable fritter- crispy on the outside but tender and soft in the middle. They are very simple, easy to make, healthy and delicious! I loved pairing the spinach "burger" in a warm pita with a spicy hummus but it also tastes great on its own with a side of sweet potato fries.  The next, day they tasted great cold with a runny egg and toast! 

Main Meals
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Yields: 5 (depending on size of patty)

Ingredients:

1 bag (or 9 oz) of chopped spinach
2 egg whites
1 whole egg
1/4 cup ricotta dairy free cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
 

You can substitute any cheese of your choice (shredded as well). I really enjoy the taste of ricotta cheese, but you could use feta or mozzarella. I also used "Italian Style" bread crumbs because they have more seasonings already added in the mix and enhances the flavor of the "burgers."

Directions:

Satue the chopped onion and garlic cloves over medium heat in 1 tbsp. of olive oil until golden brown. Roughly 5-7 minutes. Set aside & let cool. 

Add the spinach to a food processor and pulse until completely chopped. Make sure the leaves are all roughly the same shape. If any of the spinach leaves are left whole it will be more cumbersome to form into patties. 

In a large mixing bowl add the chopped spinach, diced onion & garlic mix, bread crumbs, sea salt, black pepper, and the dairy free ricotta cheese or cheese of choice.

In a separate bowl lightly whisk the egg and 2 egg whites then add to the large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients. 

Mix together until well combined. 

Over medium heat, add 1-2 tbsp. of olive oil to a non-stick pan. Form the mixture into patties of desired size. (I did about a handful). Place the patties on the pan and flatten slightly. 

Cook on each side for about 3 minutes or until the outside is golden in color and crispy. You may need to add more olive oil to the pan after you have cooked a few of the patties. Serve warm. 

They will last about a week in the fridge.