Start Simple…

• Replace some ground meat with chopped walnuts
• Add to oatmeal or on salad as a topper
• Try them in a trail mix
• Finely chop and use as a coating for salmon or chicken
• Mix into a bean-based burger or stir-fry

Common options include:

• Kidney or garbanzo beans
• Lentils
• Walnuts
• Seeds
• Edamame or tofu (soy options)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups walnuts, toasted
• 1 cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 Tbsps. chia seeds, ground
• 2 Tbsps. apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsps. olive oil, divided
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Combine walnuts, beans, quinoa, bread crumbs, chia seeds, vinegar, 1 Tbsp. oil, cumin, eggs and garlic in food processor. Pulse to finely chop ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
2. Using wet hands, shape mixture into 6 patties. Lightly press finely chopped walnuts onto both sides.
3. Heat remaining oil in a very large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown, adding additional oil to skillet after turning if necessary.
4. Serve on toasted whole grain buns or ciabatta rolls with lettuce, tomato and onion and any other desired condiments.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop into desired texture.
2. Use it as a substitute for ground meat in recipes.