Roasted Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Have you ever had one of those weeks. The kind of week where everything is super crazy and you feel as though you have no time. Maybe it’s the kind of week where you ace all of your exams or help someone in need. Maybe this week your bike was stolen or you creamed someone at a game of Monopoly. Okay, so maybe all of those were my week, but the point I’m trying to make is that this sandwich pretty much has you covered for any week. It’s very quick, tasty, and also really healthy. It’s comforting, but at the same time not too heavy. And you have so many options when it comes to toppings, it’s like being a kid in a really unusual candy store.

Portobello mushrooms have a very meaty texture, and they are an excellent meat substitute. Not to mention, they are basically flavor sponges, too. You can marinate them in anything and everything, Deeee-licious.

The ciabatta was a great choice for these burgers because they are super juicy and it helps to soak up all that delicious “roasty-ness”.

Roasted Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Serves 2

Ingredients

For the mushrooms

• 2 large portobello mushrooms, washed with gills removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the sandwich (basically add whatever you like to your sandwich. Here’s how I made mine)

• 2 ciabatta rolls, or other roll/bread of your choice, toasted (I do recommend something study because the mushrooms are very juicy)
• 1-1/2 cups arugula, or other mixed green
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 2 tablespoons herbed (or plain) goat cheese

*I totally encourage you to get creative with this. Try a southwestern theme with guacamole or salsa or make it more Mediterranean with fresh basil and mozzarella!

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Place mushrooms in a roasting dish and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Roast for 15 minutes,  or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, toast bread and prepare toppings for burger.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading goat cheese on the toasted bread. Place 1 mushroom, a few slices of tomato, and a handful of greens on top. Enjoy warm with garlic and lemon spinach (below) or crispy sweet potato fries.

Garlic and Lemon Spinach

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 6-7 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 lemon
• Parmesan cheese, to garnish

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes (Watch it so it doesn’t burn)
2. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. Squeeze in lemon juice.
3. Serve warm with parmesan, if desired.