Saturday, May 18, 2013

Garden Veggie Patties Offer A Tasty Alternative

By Jennie Sandoval


Garden veggie patties are used by many people as an alternative to those made with ground beef. They may want to avoid meat because they are vegetarians or vegans but others eat them simply for their nutritional benefits. They offer a source of protein and fiber while being low in fat at the same time.

Some of these products are manufactured to taste as much like meat as possible. Others allow the flavors of vegetables like onions or mushrooms to dominate, rather than trying to imitate the flavor of meat. Some offer a more nutritional option than others.

The soybean is the foundation for many vegetarian options. Manufacturers often use a combination of different types of soy to form the basis of the patty. Non soy based products are based largely on less processed grains and vegetables.

Vegetables which can be used include carrots, beans, corn, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Beans are perfect because they are sticky, versatile, and rich in nutrients like protein and fiber. Beans and legumes are also easily mashed and help to bind a patty.

For this reason, some sort of binder is usually used to keep the patty together. Fibres or starches from natural plants are added in small amounts for this purpose. Some use brown rice as a glue and this also gives a good texture and taste.

The flavor of a patty is enhanced by ingredients which help to activate the taste receptors in the mouth. These may include garlic powders and yeast extracts. Moisture is also an important factor. A balance is needed and a patty should not be too wet or too dry. Vegetables contain moisture and oils like corn or sunflower may also be added.

One of the greatest benefits of a meatless patty is its low fat content. It contains far less fat than its meaty counterpart. This fat is not trans fat or saturated fat which is so bad for the health.

When purchasing a product, it is important to examine the ingredients on the label. Wheat, soy, egg and milk may be included and there are those who are allergic to these ingredients. The nutritional content may also vary considerably from one product to the next.

The best vegetable patty will not only be full of nutrients but it should also taste good. There is nothing worse than a dry and tasteless patty which falls apart easily. It should also be crunchy rather than mushy when eaten.

A vegetable patty may be cooked in a number of different ways. The key is to remember that it should not be cooked like meat as it has less fat and will dry out if overcooked. Cooking it in the oven takes longer than with stove-top cooking but requires less attention as it cooks. The quickest way is to fry it on both sides until it is golden brown and crisp.

Keeping garden veggie patties in the refrigerator provides an easy, tasty option for a meal. It is a way of making sure that enough protein is included in a vegetarian diet. It also offers a good alternative for those who are looking for a way to cut down the amount of fat in the diet.




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