Instead of pan-frying the burgers, you can bake them in the oven. Just add 1 tablespoon. of vegetable oil to the mixture before forming the burger patties. Place the patties on a baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350°F. for 40 minutes, turning them after the first 20 minutes.
8 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (1/2 of a 16-oz. bag containing carrots, lima beans, corn, peas, green beans)
1 egg
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
Dash black pepper
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. thyme
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
6 hamburger buns
Cooking spray
Step 1
Cook the frozen vegetables according to the package directions. Drain the cooked vegetables and rinse them with cold water.
Step 2
When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, mince them in three to four batches with a large knife or process them for a few seconds in a food processor fitted with a chopping blade.
Step 3
Add the egg, bread crumbs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme to the minced vegetables.
Step 4
Mix the ingredients thoroughly, mashing the vegetables against the side of the bowl with the back of large spoon.
Step 5
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating up, make six uniform patties of vegetable mixture, about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Step 6
Fry three patties at a time--turning once--for approximately three minutes per side.
Step 7
While the first set of patties is cooking, split the hamburger buns and place them all on a large baking sheet, split side up. Toast them in the oven at 275°F. for two to three minutes.
Step 8
When the first set of patties is cooked, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain away the excess oil. Put the remaining three patties in the pan. Add the second tablespoon of oil and cook as before.
Step 9
Serve warm patties on toasted buns and garnish, if desired, with lemon juice, slices of peeled cucumber, lettuce, sliced tomato, ketchup, and mayonnaise.