How to make a Vegan Portobello Mushroom Burger

In Italian, Portobellos are called “capellones”, which means “big hats”. Portobellos are actually mature Crimini mushrooms (they are 3-5 days older than Crimini). They are rich in vitamins (including potassium and B vitamins), antioxidants, and minerals (including selenium). They are also very high in fiber and low in fat. While most other foods lose some of their antioxidants after cooking, portobellos retain their antioxidants even after cooking. This recipe is for a great Roasted Portobello Mushroom Burger.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the portobello mushrooms on a baking sheet and brush both sides with a mixture of 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

While the mushrooms are roasting, combine 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Beat until combined and then set aside. You will brush this mixture onto your bread or bun when you are ready to serve.

Finally, it’s time to make the tomato basil dressing. In a food processor, put all of the following ingredients: 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped; 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon of real lemon juice; 4 crushed garlic cloves; 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; ¼ teaspoon of sea salt; and 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper. Now mix all these ingredients until smooth. If you are not going to use it right away, place it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

When the Portobello mushrooms are done, remove them from the oven. You can serve it on any type of bread, including hamburger buns, whole wheat rolls, rustic breads, whatever your preference. Take two slices of bread or two halves of a bun, brush them with the olive oil mixture. Then spoon a tablespoon of the tomato basil dressing onto the top piece of bread. Place a mushroom at the bottom of the bread. Top the mushroom with lettuce, onion, tomato slices or whatever you like on your burgers.

A variation on this recipe includes roasting red peppers alongside the Portobello mushrooms and placing the roasted peppers on top of the mushroom in the sandwich. You can also substitute other grilled vegetables and/or a slice of your favorite type of cheese.