Looking for a great veggie burger recipe for a barbecue, or to satisfy that burger craving, or just to add a few more vegetarian meals into your family's diet? There are lots of great veggie burger recipes out there (and many of them are right here at Divine Dinner Party), but if you want to make a bunch of different kinds of great homemade veggie burgers, you only need one recipe: this one.

This vegetarian burger recipe, given to me by a friend of mine, is so simple and adaptable that you can toss just about anything into it and have it taste great. And we have. Over time, we've done so many variations on this great recipe that we had to share them.

So read on for a great basic recipe for veggie burgers... and Mexican veggies burgers... and curry veggie burgers... and... well, you get the idea.

Kelli's "There's No Veggie Burgers in Spain"
Homemade Veggie Burgers

Forced to come up with her own recipe after moving to Spain (where packaged veggie burgers are practically non-existent), my vegetarian friend invented this recipe. And it may very well be the best veggie burger I've ever tried. Why? Because it's rich and flavorful and satisfying. But also because it's totally flexible-- all you have to do is change up the spices. Want Mexican veggie burgers? Curry veggie burgers? Cajun or Italian veggie burgers? Just spice the basic recipe (below) as desired.

Just a note: the more finely you chop/mash the ingredients, the better the patties will hold together. However, using finely mashed beans may change the texture a bit. Fiddle around with the recipe until you find the right balance for your tastes. And hey... either way, these burgers taste great.

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) can kidney or pinto beans, drained, and rinsed
1-2 C. rolled oats (as needed)
1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1/2 C. mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 C. onions or leeks, finely chopped
1-2 carrot(s), shredded
1/2 C. red bell pepper, chopped
3 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1 tbsp. soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
1/2 tsp. salt
Spices and herbs to taste (Cajun, Italian, Mexican, etc.)

Instructions: Throw all ingredients (start with only one cup of oatmeal) in food processor (or use a stick blender).

Pulse until coarsely chopped. Add more oatmeal as needed, until patties hold together well.

Chill mixture for about an hour, then shape into smallish patties (these are rich and filling, so don't make them too big!).

Chill patties several hours, or freeze and save until needed.

If your patties want to fall apart, you'll want to cook them in the oven. Broil patties 4-6 inches from heat about 10-15 minutes, until browned and heated throughout.

If your patties hold together well, you can simply saute them in a skillet. Heat a bit of olive oil and cook patties over med-high heat 6-7 minutes a side, until crisp outside and cooked through.

For veggie burgers on the grill, pre-cook burgers, then re-heat on the grill.

Eat on pitas, whole wheat buns, or on a bed of lettuce. Dress as desired.

Tasty Variations for Homemade Veggie Burgers:

Mexican Veggie Burger Recipe:

To basic recipe, add:
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. chili powder (or to taste)
1 tsp. oregano
1-2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
splash hot sauce
1/2 tbsp. lime juice

Garnish with sliced avocado and salsa (or guacamole), lettuce, tomato, onion, and pepper jack cheese.

Italian Veggie Burger Recipe:

To basic recipe, add:
1 (extra) clove garlic, pressed or minced
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1/4 C. minced sundried tomatoes
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tbsp. finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Garnish with: mozzarella (or Provolone) cheese, tomatoes, and prepared pesto. Serve on Focaccia bread, if desired.

Cajun Veggie Burger Recipe:

To basic recipe, add:
1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning (try this Cajun spice mix recipe)

Garnish with: 1/4 C. prepared barbecue sauce combined with 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning, or Cajun mustard. Lettuce, tomato, and caramelized or fresh onion.

Curry Veggie Burger Recipe:

To basic recipe, add:
1 (extra) clove garlic, pressed or minced
2 tsp. curry powder (I add more-- do it to your own tastes)
1 tbsp. finely grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp. powdered)
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Garnish with: The prepared chutney of your choice (we've got a great chutney recipe on our blog) and chopped cucumbers combined with minced mint. Serve in a thick pita, if desired.

Greek Veggie Burger Recipe:

To basic recipe, add:
1 1/2 tsp. Greek Seasoning
1/3 C. chopped Kalamata olives
1/2 C. crumbled feta cheese

Garnish with: Raw onions, sliced tomato, and homemade tzatziki sauce. Serve in a soft pita or on a good-quality hamburger bun.