Food that Fuels

Quinoa and White Bean Burgers keep you going.

You work hard to get the most out of your workouts, particularly those that push you, mentally and physically, beyond your comfort zone. Equally important to logging those tough training sessions though is recovery, which allows the body to both replenish energy stores and repair damaged muscle tissue.

Muscle repair and recovery occurs primarily after exercise, which is why the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that athletes consume 15 to 25 grams of high-quality protein and wholesome carbohydrates within two hours after training. Refueling with these nutrients during this window provides the body with amino acids to repair muscles and glucose to replenish muscle energy stores.

With 17 grams of quality protein per patty, these recovery quinoa and white bean burgers are the perfect post-training bite since they provide both the ideal amount of quality protein and complex carbohydrates for optimal muscle recovery. Quinoa happens to be one of the few plant-based “grains” with all the essential amino acids needed for muscle recovery, which makes these burgers particularly beneficial for athletes who follow a plant-based diet or those who simply want to cut back on meat and dairy.

Since beans and quinoa are both fairly neutral in flavor, these burgers can be a vehicle for whatever flavor you’re craving. If you’re in the mood for a sweet and smoky burger, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce and top it with caramelized onions. If you want something with a bit more kick, use a mild-to-medium hot sauce and top it with guacamole and fresh jalapeño slices instead.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most recovery power out of these delicious burgers:

Makes: 6 5-ounce burgers

INGREDIENTS

Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, fresh or caramelized onions, cheese, avocado or guacamole, additional barbecue or hot sauce, sliced jalapeños

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, mash the beans using a potato masher or hand blender until relatively smooth.

Add the quinoa, eggs, breadcrumbs, barbecue or hot sauce, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Form the mixture into 6 5-ounce patties.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray. Working in batches if necessary, add quinoa burgers to the pan and cover with a lid. Cook the burgers for 7–8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 160 F. Top each burger with a slice of cheese, if desired, during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to melt.

When done cooking, transfer the burgers to the buns and top with desired add-ons.

Nutrition Information

Per 5-ounce patty made with barbecue sauce: Calories: 341; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 75mg; Sodium: 449mg; Total Carbohydrates: 51g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugars: 7g; Protein: 17g; Vitamin A: 5%; Vitamin C: 2%; Calcium: 22%; Iron: 20%

Photo credit: Elle Penner