Product Review: Dr. Praeger’s harvest veggie burgers

Just as college was the first time that I ate granola (Product Review: Kirkland Ancient Grains granola) and really started enjoying yogurt (Product Review: Kirkland Greek Yogurt), it was also when I had my first veggie burger. I did not eat meat at school so veggie burgers were my option at the rather frequent “cookouts” or “picnics” at school events. I actually enjoyed them quite a bit, although not enough to choose them over other foods when not at school. However, after discovering that I liked Dr. Praeger’s products (Product Review: Dr.Praeger’s spinach cakes), I decided to try the veggie burgers when I saw them at the Dedham Costco. They were sold in large packs but my brother told me that he would eat them if I did not like them (as a side note: the fact that my meat-loving brother would be willing to eat a veggie burger says a lot about the quality of these burgers), I gave them a try. And of course was disappointed when, like so many other products, they no longer carried them (It’s Gone? Discontinued Products).

I recently posted about the summer organic sale at Costco (It’s “organic time” at Costco) and was happy to find that one of the items included in the sale–and now available at Waltham–were the Dr. Praeger’s organic harvest veggie burgers.

I know that a lot of vegetarians and vegans opt to eat veggie-or soy-based burgers that are more reminiscent of meat products because, although they do not eat meat for health or ethical reasons, they enjoy the taste and texture of meat. I do not like nonmeat that is masquerading at meat. The idea is just bizarre to me (side story: in college I went out for vegan Chinese food with some friends for the first time. We decided on the “chicken.” Having grown up seeing my dad ask whether the chicken in Asian restaurants was white meat, I proceeded to ask the same question to the waiter. He gave me a strange look and said, “It’s not chicken…” Yeah…Anyway, the “chicken” was pretty good but fake meat is still not something I would choose over other options). Therefore, I appreciate that these veggie burgers are what they claim to be—veggie burgers.

Consistent with Costco-sized products, these burgers are larger than the ones sold in the typical packs sold in the grocery stores at 4 oz./burger vs. 2.5. They are both wider and thicker, making for a heartier and more satisfying meal. They are also stuffed with vegetables, making them feel healthy and balanced with the starchier chickpeas and lentils added to add bulk and grain to the burger.

They are filling, and I eat one as a side dish for fish along with a salad but two if they are serving as the main course along with a salad and maybe a side of fruit. The have a good flavor with vegetables and spices but are not overpowering. I think they go well with a honey mustard sauce or a sweet salad dressing. I have also read reviews suggesting they be eaten with hummus and I am interested in trying this combination. I eat them plain but I know others eat them a roll like traditional burgers. Some people also add a slice of cheese to them. A friend has also recommended cutting the veggie burgers and putting the pieces on a salad.

The directions suggest cooking them in a toaster oven, in a skillet, or in the microwave. They are good in the toaster oven, although they take far longer than the time on the package–maybe because they are very thick. Mine took a long time to even get hot inside and even then were not crispy.  I find that the microwave tastes just as good and takes a lot less time, although you do have to be careful not to cook it too long, as then it becomes extremely dry and difficult to cut (and then becomes something just to pick up and bite!)

Do you prefer veggie burgers that taste more like vegetables or meat?

How do you eat them?

Any suggestions for toppings?