Maggie Baird Shares Her Family's Favorite Kitchen Sink Veggie Burger Recipe

Maggie Baird has become a standout figure in the world of vegan activism, founding Support + Feed at the start of the pandemic. Baird’s initiative emerged during a time when many independent restaurants faced shutdowns, highlighting the intersection of food insecurity and support for plant-based businesses. With a mission to support struggling vegan eateries while delivering meals to those in need, her endeavor has expanded well beyond Los Angeles, reaching communities nationwide and even worldwide through Billie Eilish’s tours. Baird's efforts have helped provide thousands of plant-based meals, proving that compassion can create meaningful change even in dire circumstances. It’s noteworthy that this movement aligns with a broader push for sustainability in the food sector, a trend that continues to gain momentum.

The Culinary Commitment of Maggie Baird

Passionate about sustainability and a dedicated vegan, Baird’s commitment is reflected in her daily choices, especially in her culinary practices. Eating is often viewed as a personal choice, but Baird sees it as a political act. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she showcased her family's favorite recipe: Kitchen Sink Veggie Burgers. These versatile patties encourage creativity by incorporating whatever ingredients you have on hand, like leftover grains or vegetables. This approach not only minimizes food waste, a significant issue in current food systems, but also promotes the idea that healthy eating can be delicious and enjoyable without rigid dietary rules.

The healthful composition of these burgers is undeniable. Packed with plant protein and whole grains, they can be pan-fried or baked. Baird captures that elusive balance where comfort food can be both wholesome and satisfying. It's no surprise they've become a staple in Baird's household; they embody the essence of good eating and resourcefulness. The shift toward these types of meals underscores a growing awareness around plant-based diets, which are now recognized for their environmental and health benefits.

How to Make Baird’s Kitchen Sink Veggie Burgers

Looking to try them yourself? Here’s the recipe for Maggie Baird's versatile Kitchen Sink Veggie Burgers, encouraging you to make substitutions based on what you find in your kitchen—an aspect that reflects both practicality and creativity.

Maggie Baird's Kitchen Sink Burgers

Makes 6 to 8 patties

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking, divided
• 1 cup cooked and chopped vegetables or 2 cups raw vegetables (suggestions: onions, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, garlic)
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup leftover salsa or pasta sauce
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon coriander
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup chickpea flour (or regular flour or breadcrumbs)
• 1 cup cooked rice or other cooked grain
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (or almonds, cashews, or pecans)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the vegetables until tender. This initial step not only helps to unlock the flavors of the vegetables but also prepares them to mix harmoniously with the other ingredients.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some beans intact for texture. Add in salsa, tamari, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, and pepper; stir to combine. Mix in the chickpea flour. Here’s the thing: using chickpea flour not only boosts protein content but also serves as an effective binder.
3. Fold in the rice, nuts, and sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly before letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes. Resting the mixture allows the flours and grains to absorb moisture and can enhance the overall texture of the patties.
4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the remaining oil. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, form patties on the skillet and flatten to your desired thickness. If you prefer a crispier exterior, you might consider adding a bit more oil or preheating the skillet thoroughly.
5. Cook each patty for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned and firm. Serve with your favorite toppings. (And this is the part most people overlook: the toppings can take these burgers from good to exceptional.)

Future Implications of Baird’s Mission

Baird’s work symbolizes a growing trend in the food industry where compassion meets culinary creativity. As more people gravitate toward plant-based diets for both health and environmental reasons, initiatives like Support + Feed showcase how activism in food can go beyond mere dietary choices—it's about community resilience, sustainability, and support.

This perspective is especially relevant as discussions around food justice become increasingly mainstream. If you're working in this space, consider how mindfulness in food choices can reflect broader values, including environmentalism and social responsibility. The implications of Baird's work extend far beyond her kitchen; they challenge conventional norms in food production and consumption, encouraging all of us to think critically about our eating habits and their impacts.