Ingredients

  • 1 pound tempeh, crumbled into bite-size pieces
  • 4 teaspoons Bragg Liquid Aminos or tamari (or soy sauce for that matter)
  • 1 cup cooked white beans
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
  • 1 heaping tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 heaping teaspoon chopped fresh sage (about 5 leaves)
  • Pinch of ground cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
  • Dash of salt
  • A few dashes fresh black pepper

Method

  • Place the tempeh into a saucepan and just barely cover with water (its okay, even preferable, if some of the tempeh is peeking out of the water).
  • Add 1 teaspoon of Bragg, cover and bring to a boil.
  • Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed.
  • Drain any remaining water and transfer the tempeh to a large bowl.
  • Add the white beans, give a quick stir, and set aside.
  • This will heat the beans just for a bit for easier mashing and cool the tempeh down just a bit for easier handling.
  • Give the saucepan a quick rinse and dry.
  • Saute the garlic and fennel seed in 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat, just until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Add the remainder of the spices and stir constantly for 30 seconds.
  • Add to the tempeh mixture along with the tomato paste and remaining tablespoon of Bragg.
  • Mash everything together with a potato masher or strong fork, until its just a bit chunky and there are no whole beans left (you dont want it pureed, you should still be able to see the beans).
  • Add the bread crumbs and combine well with a fork.
  • Taste for salt and spices and adjust to your liking.
  • Let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Form into patties, using about 3 tablespoons worth of the mix (you can use a quarter-cup measuring cup filled three-quarters full to make the patties consistent in size).
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Cook the patties until brown, about 3 minutes each side.
  • You may need to add a little more oil when you flip them over.