Blending Tips for Your Plant-Forward Kitchen

For our Earth Day campaign this year, we are inspiring our chefs to flex their blending techniques with a Blended Burger Challenge. Blended burgers are an exciting vehicle for integrating more plant-based ingredients, creating robust, satisfying meals while cutting the carbon footprint.  

With a little help from our Plant-Forward Culinary Collaborative, a working group of Bon Appétit chefs who have helped to define the future of plant-forward in our cafés and spread best practices companywide, we’re thrilled to share some tips on how to make blended burgers that truly shine.  

1. Start with the right ratio. 
   Successful blended burgers rely on balance. A mix of ground meat with cooked beans, whole grains, mushrooms, or lentils maintains the texture you’d expect from a classic patty while increasing fiber and plant protein. 

   Here are some proven ratios to get started: 
        – Beef or lamb: 45% ground meat plus 55% cooked beans or whole grains
        – Poultry: 65% ground poultry plus 35% cooked beans or whole grains
        – Impossible meat: 80% Impossible meat and 20% roasted mushrooms or 70% Impossible plus 15% mushrooms and 15% pureed lentils

1. Let the plants do the work. 
   Beans and lentils act as natural binders; whole grains add chew; and mushrooms bring back the umami that can be lost when reducing meat. Roasting vegetables before blending concentrates flavor and keeps excess moisture out of the mix. 
2. Build flavor in every step. 
   Season every component. Cook grains with herbs and spices, roast vegetables for caramelization, and lean on ingredients like garlic, onions, miso, tamari, or nutritional yeast to deepen savory notes. 
3. Texture is key. 
   Avoid over-blending. A little structure or extra texture goes a long way toward a satisfying bite. For poultry or plant-based blends, ingredients like chickpea flour, flax, or chia can help patties hold their shape. 

While these tips will help get you started on your blended burger journey, check out these inventive recipes for inspiration. A great blended burger isn’t a compromise, but an opportunity to introduce exciting flavors, textures, and nutrition. With the right ratios, smart ingredient choices, and intentional technique, they can make a signature dish that keeps you coming back for more while collectively moving us toward a plant-forward future.