Survival Burgers Recipe from Stardew Valley

What’s Up, Hungry People

Today I’m kicking off another new series in the Starving Chef’s kitchen. As an extention of my cooking adventures in fictional feasts from movies and televison, I recently also expanded to making food from my favorite books as well.

Naturally, it just made sense that the next series to take place in my kitchen was food found in Stardew Valley.

Video game recipes have been frequently requested over on my TikTok but one in particular asking for the survival burgers from Stardew Valley has always tempted me and I’ve just been waiting for the latest update to actually create it. And obviously I’m not cooking this just because I spent the last week doing nothing but playing the new updated 1.6 release and didn’t have time to think of anything else.

And actually – this isn’t my first forray into cooking foods from Stardew. Several years ago, before TikToks were all the rage, I made George’s favorite dish and a fiddlehead fern risotto too!

Here’s What You Need:

• Eggplants: Adds bulk and a meaty texture to the patties.
• Purple Carrots: Provides sweetness and color, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and grilling, adding richness and preventing sticking.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Cracked Peppercorns: Adds a spicy kick and depth to the patties.
• Spring Onions: Offers a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor.
• Flour: Helps bind the ingredients together to form patties.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold the patty mixture together.
• Gouda Goat Cheese: Introduces a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sesame Buns: Serves as the base and top for the burger, adding a nutty flavor.
• Tomato: Adds moisture and a fresh, slightly acidic taste.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and helps balance the flavors.
• Lettuce or Kale: Adds a crunchy texture and freshness.

Let’s Cook!

First up, grab those purple carrots. Peel them, get rid of the leaves, chop them into quarters, and toss them into your food processor. You want them finely minced, so give it a few pulses until they’re just right. Scoop out the minced carrots into a large mixing bowl and set it aside for now.

Next, it’s eggplant time. Trim off the stems and cut them into quarters so they fit nicely in your food processor. Pulse these just like you did with the carrots until they’re finely minced. Combine these with the minced carrots in your mixing bowl. This mix is going to be the heart of our Stardew Valley Fair-worthy burgers, so season well with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Veggies

Heat up a large skillet, pour in some olive oil, and once it’s hot, introduce your vegetable mix to the skillet. We’re looking to cook off most of the moisture here, stirring constantly for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mixture looks slightly dry and has a ground beef-like appearance. After that, give your skillet a quick wipe down to clean it.

Binding the Mixture

Transfer your cooked veggie mixture into a bowl. Let it cool just a bit so it’s not steaming anymore. Now, stir in those chopped spring onions, crack in the eggs, and sprinkle in the shredded goat cheese and flour. Mix everything well. This step is crucial for getting our patties to hold together.

Forming the Patties

With clean hands, and maybe a little water to keep the mixture from sticking, start shaping your patties. Use a 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop out even amounts of the mixture. Press and shape these scoops into patties and set them on a plate. We’re almost at the finish line.

Cooking the Patties

Lightly grease your skillet again with some more olive oil. Once it’s nice and hot, place the patties in. We’re going to cook these until they’re golden and crisp on the edges, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Assembling the Burgers

Now for the fun part: putting it all together. Grab a sesame bun for each burger, layer on the tomato, a generous spread of mayo, and a leaf of lettuce or kale.

Eggplant and Carrot Burger Tips:

• Handling Eggplant: Eggplants contain moisture that can make patties soggy. Salting and resting eggplant pieces before cooking can draw out excess moisture, improving the patty’s texture.
• Achieving the Perfect Patty: If the mixture feels too wet and doesn’t hold together well, you can add a bit more flour to absorb the excess moisture. Conversely, if it’s too dry, adding an extra egg can help.
• Cooking Patties: Ensure the skillet is well-oiled and hot before adding the patties. This helps to create a good sear and prevents sticking. If the patties start to fall apart, lower the heat and cook them slowly to give them time to firm up.
• Cheese Melting Tip: To melt the cheese perfectly on top of your patties, cover the skillet for the last minute of cooking. The steam will melt the cheese evenly.
• Bun Selection and Preparation: Lightly toasting the sesame buns on the skillet can add another layer of texture and flavor, enhancing the overall burger experience.
• Serving Suggestions: Customize your burger with additional “Stardew Valley” inspired toppings like pickled vegetables or a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra flavor boost.

With these steps, you’re well on your way to creating a Stardew Valley-inspired burger that’s sure to be a hit at your table or at the next virtual fair in Pelican Town. By combining the unique flavors of eggplant and purple carrots, you’re crafting a patty that’s not only tasty but also a nod to the game’s emphasis on farming and foraging. The addition of gouda goat cheese melts perfectly, bringing a creamy texture that complements the crispy patty and fresh vegetables. Remember, the key to a great burger lies in the quality of its ingredients and the care you put into preparing it.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe offers a straightforward way to bring a piece of Stardew Valley into your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, and let’s make Mayor Lewis proud at the next Stardew Valley Fair.

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