This burger was a major hit in a lot of ways and I just had to share it with you all here. Judging by the recipe list here on the blog, it's clear that burgers are not a major staple in the house, but anytime I can get my husband to eat quinoa, then I consider the recipe to be a major winner.

Of course I made this recipe using GRAIN Golden Quinoa, and since the flavour of our Canadian variety is definitely elevated compared to the South American options, it was a perfect pairing with the richness of the portobello mushroom. Enjoy this as a classic burger topped with all of your favourite toppings, this recipe makes 4 nicely sized patties, which can easily be made ahead and cooked when you want them.

Golden Quinoa Mushroom Burger:

- Slightly adapted from Bon Appetit

• 1 small sweet potato, baked in the skin
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• 1 portobello mushroom
• 1/2 small zucchini, grated
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (from 1/2 cup dry)
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350°. Prick sweet potato all over with a fork; rub with 1 tbsp. oil, then season with salt and pepper. Roast directly on oven rack until tender, 30–45 minutes. Let cool. Remove and discard skin, then mash flesh with a fork. Set aside.Remove stem from the mushroom; discard. Pulse the cap in a food processor until finely chopped (a blender will also work just be careful not to turn it to mush). Coarsely grate zucchini on the large holes of a box grater; gather up in a kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid.

Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a medium skillet over low. Cook shallot and red pepper flakes, stirring often, until shallot is soft, about 2 minutes. Add mushroom and zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to release their liquid but have not taken on any colour, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; mix in cooked quinoa and season with salt and pepper. Let cool.Add breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and about ¼ cup reserved mashed sweet potato to quinoa mixture and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the mixture is too loose, add more sweet potato to bind.

Divide mixture into 4 portions and form into patties, pressing firmly together with your hands. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a medium skillet over medium and cook 2 patties until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side; season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining 2 tbsp oil and 2 patties. Build burgers with your favourite buns and toppings, and serve.