Pumpkin and Millet Burgers

Hamburger di Zucca e Miglio

This is a delicious vegetarian dish, generally appreciated by the vegetarians and by the meat eaters. Perfect to take to a picnic.

Vegetable burgers tend to be delicate and to break easily, so make sure to place them into a pan already hot and to turn them only when the bottom is well cooked and firm.

Preparation time:  20 minutes
Cooking time: about  30 minutes

Serves  3-4

Ingredients:

Water, about 4 cups (1 L)
Salt, about 2 ½ tsp.
1 cup (250ml) hulled yellow millet
12 oz. (350g) freshly grated pumpkin
2 eggs
½ cup (120ml) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2-3 tbsp. fresh minced parsley
A bunch of chive stems, chopped
Pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (enough to generously oil the skillet)

Method:

1.       Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tsp. of salt. Add the millet and boil it, stirring often, until al dente. Then drain well.

2.       In a large bowl combine millet, pumpkin, eggs, cheese, parsley, chive, ½ tsp. of salt and pepper.  Mix all the ingredients and - with your hands - form the burgers.

3.       Heat a large, nonstick, oiled pan and cook the burgers over a medium-low  heat for about 10 minutes on each side, or until they are firm and golden-brown.

4.       Slide onto a serving plate and serve warm or at room temperature with toasted bread.