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.
Amongst all the brands available on the market, there are a number which are made to taste as much like meat as possible. Others allow the flavor of the vegetables to dominate. The taste that comes through depends on the vegetables used.
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.
Mushrooms, corn, beans, onions, green peppers and carrots are just some of the vegetables which may be used. Beans and legumes are often used because they are very nutritious, can be mashed and have some binding qualities. Some of the vegetables may be left in small chunks to give crunch and texture.
Vegetables alone often cannot provide enough binding to keep the patty together and it falls apart like a crumbly cookie. Binding ingredients include various different options such as egg, flour, fine bread crumbs, mashed sweet potatoes and brown rice. Manufacturers often use starch or fiber in small quantities from natural plants as a binder.
A patty usually includes some natural flavors to stimulate the taste receptors. One of these is yeast extract. Sodium phosphate may be added to give taste too. Sunflower oil and corn oil are often added to help give moisture and prevent a patty from being too dry.
Eating a patty which is not made from meat can have a number of nutritional benefits. It usually contains far less fat, with some even containing up to 74 percent less fat. Besides being low fat, it is usually free of saturated fats and trans fats.
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.
However, it is no good buying a patty which is nutritious if it tastes awful. Taste is very important and there are products on the market which offer a good taste experience. There is no reason to force down a dry, crumbly patty if one which is crunchy, moist and full of flavor is available.
They are easy to cook in a number of different ways. The most important tip to remember is that they can dry out easily if overcooked because they are low in fat. Frying them in a little oil on a skillet for a few minutes on either side gives them a lovely crunch. They can also be baked in the oven. Using them for a barbeque offers an enjoyable alternative to meat.
Garden veggie patties provide a good alternative to the fat-laden meaty variety. It is not necessary to sacrifice taste either when going for this option. Tasty and nutritious products are available which offer a good source of protein and fiber as well as being low in fat.
Amongst all the brands available on the market, there are a number which are made to taste as much like meat as possible. Others allow the flavor of the vegetables to dominate. The taste that comes through depends on the vegetables used.
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.
Mushrooms, corn, beans, onions, green peppers and carrots are just some of the vegetables which may be used. Beans and legumes are often used because they are very nutritious, can be mashed and have some binding qualities. Some of the vegetables may be left in small chunks to give crunch and texture.
Vegetables alone often cannot provide enough binding to keep the patty together and it falls apart like a crumbly cookie. Binding ingredients include various different options such as egg, flour, fine bread crumbs, mashed sweet potatoes and brown rice. Manufacturers often use starch or fiber in small quantities from natural plants as a binder.
A patty usually includes some natural flavors to stimulate the taste receptors. One of these is yeast extract. Sodium phosphate may be added to give taste too. Sunflower oil and corn oil are often added to help give moisture and prevent a patty from being too dry.
Eating a patty which is not made from meat can have a number of nutritional benefits. It usually contains far less fat, with some even containing up to 74 percent less fat. Besides being low fat, it is usually free of saturated fats and trans fats.
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.
However, it is no good buying a patty which is nutritious if it tastes awful. Taste is very important and there are products on the market which offer a good taste experience. There is no reason to force down a dry, crumbly patty if one which is crunchy, moist and full of flavor is available.
They are easy to cook in a number of different ways. The most important tip to remember is that they can dry out easily if overcooked because they are low in fat. Frying them in a little oil on a skillet for a few minutes on either side gives them a lovely crunch. They can also be baked in the oven. Using them for a barbeque offers an enjoyable alternative to meat.
Garden veggie patties provide a good alternative to the fat-laden meaty variety. It is not necessary to sacrifice taste either when going for this option. Tasty and nutritious products are available which offer a good source of protein and fiber as well as being low in fat.
About the Author:
For the finest garden veggie patties, check out www.littlegreenfoods.com. A comprehensive list of our healthy food products can be found at http://www.littlegreenfoods.com. Any of our staff would be happy to help you find what you need.