Like many people, I’m trying to eat healthier foods these days. That means more veggies, more whole grains, more nuts/seeds, and the like. During barbecue season, I’ve found veggie burgers to be a terrific alternative to hamburgers. They’re widely available, they can be grilled at least as quickly as hamburgers, and I feel as though I’m doing something good for myself without missing out on anything.
But not all veggie burgers are created equal. One of my favorite brands is Sunshine Burgers. Appropriately enough, these veggie burgers are made out of a sunflower seed base, with the addition of brown rice. They’re free of soy, wheat, gluten, and dairy (in fact, they’re vegan), so they can be especially useful if you have certain food sensitivities. And they’re available in half a dozen varieties, from Original to Barbecue (how appropriate!) to the new Falafel.
But it gets better: all Sunshine Burgers (except the Original) are certified organic. And if you’re wondering what kind of effort is involved in preparing them, rest assured it’s minimal. The burgers are fully-cooked, oven-browned for a more attractive appearance, and then frozen; you need only heat and serve. My favorite variety is the Garden Herb, but then again I haven’t tasted the newcomer Breakfast Patty yet. And don’t think for a minute that you have to restrict use of these to a barbecue grill. I enjoy Sunshine Burgers year-round; I heat them on a nonstick griddle and use them as part of the filling (along with more veggies and condiments) for a whole wheat wrap.
Online ordering is not available, but these burgers have nationwide distribution, although you might have to ask your favorite store to carry them (if you have a good local natural foods store, it’s worth looking in their freezer case first). Visit the website for more information and culinary inspiration, you’ll find some recipes on there that may come in handy . As they used to sing in the ‘60s, “Let the sun shine in!”