Ghoulish Burgers

Makes 6 burgers

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided

1 medium onion, chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 (15.5-ounce) can cannellini beans

2 teaspoons mild chili powder

1 ½ teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon oregon

1 teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

Fresh ground black pepper

½ cup vital wheat gluten (stirred before measuring)

2 tablespoons vegetable broth

6 slider buns, split and toasted

Vegan mayonnaise, as needed

6 mini pickles, cut in half lengthwise

12 slices of black olives

Easy Cheese Sauce, recipe below

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Add the beans, chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, chili flakes, black pepper and the onions to a food processor. Pulse until the beans are broken up, but not paste. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.

3. Add the gluten to the bean mixture and knead for 4 minutes until gluten strands form. Divide the mixture into 6 portions and form into burger patties about the size of your buns.

4. Spray a baking sheet with oil, arrange the burgers on a sheet, add ¼ cup water around the burgers, cover tightly with foil and bake in a 300-degree F oven (no need to preheat) for 30 minutes. Uncover, flip the burgers and continue to bake for another 20 minutes.

5. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the burgers until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Add the vegetable broth, cover and steam for 2 minutes.

6. Make the burgers by spreading mayo on the bottom bun, adding a burger patty, 2 halves of pickles for the fangs, a top bun, a drizzle of sauce, 2 slices of olives for eyes and a toothpick to hold it all together. Serve.

Easy Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon neutral oil

1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon minced garlic

½ cup unsweetened plain vegan milk

1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese

1. Heat the oil in a small sauce pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Using a whisk, stir in the milk and cook until lightly thickened. Add the cheese and whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.