It’s officially burger season! We asked Chef Phil for a new spin on this staple of summer—using some of our favorite healthy ingredients. Try this recipe out and take the backyard BBQ to a delicious new level! Happy eating!

Chef Phil’s Mushroom Kale Burgers

8 oz White Button or Cremini Mushrooms, roughly chopped

4 oz Shitake Mushrooms, stems removed and roughly chopped

2 Tbsp Sunflower Oil

1 bunch Green Onions, roughly chopped

4 cloves Garlic, finely minced

2 Small Carrots, grated

4 stalks of Kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped

2 Tbsps Tamari

1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil

1/2 Cup Raw Quick Oats

1/2 Cup Cooked Quinoa

1/2 Cup Toasted Almonds, Roughly Chopped

1-2 Tbsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo, Finely Chopped (use more or less depending on amount of spice you want)

Cook mushrooms in 1 Tbsp oil, on medium heat until they are cooked down and starting to caramelize. You want them to saute rather than steam, so adjust heat accordingly and stir every few minutes. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove from pan when done. Add remaining oil to pan, add green onions and garlic and cook on medium low until they have some color, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and cook for an additional 3-5 or until they are heated through. Add kale to pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes, to wilt. After this, remove the mixture from the pan and set aside.

In the bowl of a food processor, add 1/2 of the mushrooms and 1/2 of the vegetable mixture. Pulse until a smooth paste is formed. Dump this mixture into a mixing bowl, add remainder of mushroom and veggies as well as the other remaining ingredients. Mix well with a spoon or your hands. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Tamari or sea salt.

Form the mixture into patties and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. Grill or pan saute for 3-4 minutes on each side. Wrap in bib lettuce leaves and top with a spoonful of the Cucumber Sesame Salad.

Cucumber Sesame Salad

1 Large Cucumber, seeded, sliced into half moons

1 Tbsp Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

1 Tbsp Tamari

1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds

1 Tbsp Chives, Chopped

2 Tbsp Parsley, Roughly Chopped

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and combine. Taste and adjust with Tamari or Sea Salt, add a splash of water to dilute if needed. Let stand at room temp for 15 minutes to let flavors combine.