BBQ Mushroom Burgers

These mushroom burgers are simple but delicious. The pearl barley gives them bite, while the soy sauce and pepper bring out the flavour of the mushrooms. They also satisfy fast-food cravings - the BBQ sauce and mushroom play together well, and you can add some vegan bacon if you want.

BBQ Mushroom Burgers

Makes 8 7cm wide patties

Ingredients

burger patties
70 ml pearl barley
250 g mushrooms (900 ml chopped)
1 potato
1/2 onion
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp soy sauce
salt and pepper

to serve
BBQ sauce
burger buns
arugula/rocket
tomato
radishes

Method 

1. Bring barley to a boil with plenty of water and cook until tender. Peel, chop and boil the potato until soft, about 15 minutes. Mash it.

2. Finely chop the onion and mushrooms and mince the garlic. Heat an oiled pan over medium heat. Fry the onion until glassy. Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Add the mushrooms and fry until done.

3. Combine all patty ingredients and mix well. Form into patties. Fry in an oiled pan over medium heat for a few minutes until browned on both sides, flipping once.

4. Wash the arugula. Slice the tomatoes and radishes. Chop the burger buns in half and toast both halves in a pan until lightly browned. Top with patties, vegetables and BBQ sauce.

Spring Eats: Simple Pea Soup with Sauteed Radishes

The spring has come to Berlin! We are enjoying sunny weather and the first delicate green leaves. And some spring meals full of vegetables. This colourful pairing of pea soup and sauteed radishes makes a lovely fast dinner that comes together in about 10 minutes.

The radishes lose their pungency through the cooking and become wonderfully mild. The recipe for the radishes is here - just substitute oil or vegan margarine for the butter. Now, the soup.

Simple Pea Soup

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 small onion
300 ml vegetable broth
800 ml frozen peas
salt and pepper

Method

1. Finely mince the onion. Combine with the broth and peas. Bring to the boil and cook for a few minutes, until peas are done.

2. Remove from the heat and puree. Add salt and pepper to taste.