Sweet potato burgers

Looking for a healthier burger? I enjoy a bean burger now and again, but haven't ever thought about using other vegetables.

The Chubby Vegetarian shared a recipe for Chipotle Sweet Potato Burger on his blog the other day. His combination of the sweet potato with chipotle peppers, cumin and garlic have my mouth watering. It sounds like an amazing flavor combo! My tasty black bean burgers may have to take a backseat from now on.

The Chubby Vegetarian also mentioned how with an equal amount of oats added to beans, sweet potatoes or squash, you can get a really good mixture that works well as burger patties. I'm now envisioning zucchini or yellow squash patties with tarragon or cilantro. We've still got tons of frozen squash stored in the freezer from last season. This might be a good way to use it up.

What spice combinations do you think would go well with zucchini or squash?

You can find The Chubby Vegetarian's recipe here.

One of my favorite things to do with spinach

This is one of my favorite things to make whenever I need a quick side dish.

A spinach and tomato side dish that I love.

I don't really have a name for it, but love its simplicity and flavor. And you can't beat how quick it is to cook up! It's also great in wraps.

Though I change some of the ingredients each time I make this, four things are always in there: spinach, tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Sometimes I'll add in mushrooms and onions. Sesame seeds and pepper have made appearances. But those four ingredients are a must.

This go 'round, I threw in some left over rice, onions, tomato paste and some dried sweet basil:

Tonight's rendition features rice, onion, tomato paste and basil along with the main four: spinach, tomatoes, olive oil and garlic.

After a bit of warming and wilting on the stove top, the spinach-tomato side dish was ready for plating. I paired it with oven-fried chicken and baked potato.

Spinach-Tomato Side Dish

1-3 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 handfuls of spinach leaves
16 oz. can of diced tomatoes or 2-3 large tomatoes chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
Optional: onions, mushrooms, sesame seeds, spices and anything else you may want to throw in

1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. If using onions, add them and sauté with the garlic.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until heated through. At this point, also add any additional vegetables and spices.
3. Add spinach and cook until leaves are slightly wilted.

Enjoy!