The key to a great veggie burger is texture, texture, texture! If you’re going to give up the beef and/or turkey, you at least want to preserve the true essence of an American classic – and that’s the bite. I think I may have found that essence in a plant-based version. Not only is it meatless and delicious, it also happens to be pretty healthy.

We’ve heard countless rave reviews for the sweet potato. Growing up, it wasn’t a staple in my household. I only saw sweet potatoes during the holidays. Usually, it was prepared as a butter and sugar-laden, savory sweet potato pie or as a candied side dish served during a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. It wasn’t until I became a vegetarian adult did I fully learn about this starch’s many health benefits. So, what is it about the sweet potato that has earned its rank as a superfood?

The antioxidant-enriched, anti-inflammatory nutrient sweet potato is loaded with beta-carotene (hence the orange colored flesh) and is a great source of B vitamins, potassium, fiber, vitamin C, biotin (hair, skin, and nail, support), and magnesium. Although it’s a starch, the sweet potato won’t raise your blood sugar levels – making it an essential part of a diabetic’s diet.

If you’re strictly or mostly plant-based, sweet potatoes are particularly important to you because of their versatility. They’re a great egg or butter/fat replacer in your favorite recipes. They’re perfect as a dessert option or a main meal go-to. My favorite way to enjoy them is simply peeled, chopped into chunks and roasted with salt, pepper, a little oil and garlic.

I’ve been experimenting with sweet potatoes lately and I can’t wait to share the recipes I’ve discovered and created with this fascinating spud – – which brings me back to the secret weapon in this awesome veggie mini-burger recipe. The sweet potato is the star ingredient, used as a binder for all of the other ingredients and giving it the perfect firm texture with a hint of crunch. It won’t fall apart and has just the right amount of smoky flavor that will even win over those hard-nosed beef burger lovers. These addictive Sweet Potato Sliders are soooooo good. They have a smoky flavor and burger-like texture, and a crunchy outer-layer. Pair with my Spicy Vegan Mayo and you’ll be the hit of the party!

Sweet Potato Sliders

A healthy alternative to beef burgers that promises to deliver on a smoky flavor and a traditional burger-like texture. With a crispy outside, these mini burgers can be frozen for an easy, on-the-go option. Pairs well with EP4L's Spicy Vegan Mayo - egg-free of course.

Course

Main Dish

Cuisine

American

Servings

Sliders (or 4 burgers)

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes
1 1/2 cups organic rolled oats
1 cup canned organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small red onion, peeled and finely diced
1/2 cup raw cashews
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp. oil (for roasting)
2 tbsp. Vegan Worcestershire sauce (or Liquid Smoke)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
2 tbsp. oil (for sautéing)
1/2 tsp. each of salt and ground pepper
6 potato slider buns (or 4 regular hamburger buns), toasted
Your favorite burger fixings: avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, Vegan cheese slices, Dijon mustard, onions, etc.
EP4L's Spicy Vegan Mayo