It’s no secret that all of us should eat less meat for health reasons. Some meat is fine, but too much can raise your cholesterol. And with meat costs rising because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the perfect time to add more veggies to your diet.
Going veggie can save money and make you healthier. Meatless meals once or twice a week can be cooked with beans, lentils, whole grains and vegetables, especially this time of the year when farmers markets are opened. Plant-based proteins can offer more health benefits than meat, too, like additional fiber, vitamins and other nutrients with fewer calories and less fat.
Veggie burgers are a great way to add flavor and plant power to your meal planning. Sure, you can buy frozen ones at the grocery store but just as easily replace your burger meat with a portobello mushroom, which is a fully mature version of the common cremini mushroom. Portobello sounds exotic but can be found at most grocery stores.
Fire up the grill and try this recipe from Green Leaf Grill to get you started down the veggie path.
Portobello Mozzarella Mushroom Burger
Portion: 1 sandwich
Yield: 2
Ingredients
2 fresh Portobello mushrooms
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon pesto
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup fresh arugula
3 ounces sliced Mozzarella cheese
2 slices La Baccia bread*
Directions
Clean mushrooms and marinate in balsamic vinegar for 1-2 hours.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
To assemble: Place ½ tablespoon pesto, ½ tablespoon mayonnaise, ¼ cup arugula, 1 mushroom and 2 slices of cheese. Add top bun.
* Hamburger buns can also be used, but the nutritional information will change.
Nutrition Facts
Calories (kcal) 437
Protein (g) 22
Total Fat (g) 10
Sat Fat (g) 2
Carbohydrate (g) 63
Sodium (mg) 674
Dietary Fiber (g) 4