Once upon a time, my Brooklyn upbringing was synonymous with an endless culinary adventure. Every street corner, every block, offered a vibrant tapestry of delicious Latin American flavors, readily available at almost any hour. To this day, the sheer abundance and authenticity of that food scene remain one of my deepest nostalgic cravings for my old neighborhood. Now, in our own home, my husband Franklyn and I lovingly recreate those traditions, blending our Dominican and Puerto Rican heritages into a delicious fusion. Our everyday meals often revolve around the comforting staples of rice, beans, a protein, and a fresh salad. However, when the occasion calls for something truly special, we love to innovate and indulge a little.
One of Franklyn’s absolute favorites is the Chimi, a legendary Dominican street burger. Traditionally, it’s a flavorful, indulgent treat, not something we’d make often due to its hearty nature. But everything changed when I discovered the incredible MorningStar Farms® Grillers® Original Burgers during a routine shopping trip at Walmart. This discovery wasn’t just about finding a new product; it was about unlocking the potential to enjoy a delicious, healthier version of our beloved Chimi Dominican burger more frequently. It’s a game-changer for those seeking a plant-based option without compromising on flavor or the essence of a classic dish.
Embracing Healthy Choices with MorningStar Farms: Perfect for Lent and Beyond
For families looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, whether for health reasons, ethical considerations, or religious observances like Lent, MorningStar Farms products offer an exceptional solution. They are not only a delicious alternative to meat but also remarkably cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for feeding larger families like mine without breaking the bank. For instance, a single bag of Grillers was less than six dollars and provided a satisfying meal for all of us – that’s truly impressive value!
Beyond their wallet-friendly appeal, MorningStar Farms products are a lifesaver for busy households. Imagine craving a flavorful burger but being short on time. With MorningStar Farms® Grillers® Original Burgers, you can have a delicious patty ready in just one minute using a microwave. This incredible speed and convenience mean that even my older children can easily prepare them, making healthy eating accessible for everyone. This ease of preparation makes them a fantastic meat substitute for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, especially during the Lent season or any time you need a quick, wholesome meal. We’ve even expanded our culinary repertoire, using MorningStar Farms® Original Sausage Patties to create a vegetarian rendition of the cherished Dominican breakfast dish, *tres golpes* – a delightful combination of eggs, fried salami, mangú (mashed plantains), and queso frito (fried cheese), all made meat-free and equally satisfying.
The Authentic Dominican Chimi Experience: A Taste of Brooklyn’s Vibrant Past
The Chimi is more than just a burger; it’s a cultural icon, a staple of Dominican street food, and a vibrant memory for anyone who’s experienced it. I fondly recall Franklyn and I stopping at our favorite Chimi truck on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn after a night of dancing. The air would be filled with the infectious rhythms of merengue or bachata blasting from someone’s car, and we’d savor our Chimi right there on the street, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Those were truly unforgettable days.
What truly elevates a Chimi from a regular burger is its unique combination of fresh, crisp ingredients and, most importantly, its signature sauce. The secret to an authentic Chimi lies in this special concoction, which, in our family’s simple yet incredibly flavorful version, consists of a harmonious blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. While there are countless variations and elaborate ingredient lists for Chimi sauce out there, we find that keeping it simple allows the core flavors to shine through beautifully. You truly have to taste this sauce, liberally drizzled over a perfectly prepared Chimi, to fully appreciate its delicious complexity and how it ties all the components together into a symphony of flavor. It’s a taste that transports me back to those vibrant Brooklyn nights, even if my nights now involve popping milk bottles for Olivia and Joseph rather than dancing until dawn. But thanks to MorningStar Farms, I can still sneak in those yummy Chimi experiences, now in a healthier, family-friendly format. Follow these super easy steps to create your own vegetarian Chimi Dominican burger.
Vegetarian Chimi Dominican Burger Recipe
This recipe offers a swift and satisfying way to enjoy a classic Dominican street food, reimagined with a plant-based twist. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a flavorful dinner, or as a unique offering for guests.
Ingredients:
- MorningStar Farms® Grillers® Original Burgers (readily available at Walmart)
- Fresh, soft bread rolls (ideally Chimi buns or similar, like brioche or potato rolls)
- Shredded green cabbage, finely sliced
- Ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of quality ketchup
- 1/2 cup of creamy mayonnaise
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s vegetarian if strictly avoiding animal products)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Signature Chimi Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and smooth. This sauce is the heart of your Chimi, bringing all the flavors together.
- Toast Your Buns to Perfection: Lightly toast your bread rolls. We prefer to do this in a frying pan with a touch of spray butter until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. This adds texture and prevents the bun from becoming soggy from the sauce and toppings.
- Cook the MorningStar Farms Grillers: Place your MorningStar Farms Grillers® Original Burgers in the microwave and heat for just 1 minute. They come out perfectly cooked and ready to serve. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a touch of salt and pepper on them after heating, though they taste fantastic on their own.
- Assemble Your Chimi: On the bottom half of your toasted bun, place a hot MorningStar Griller patty. Layer generously with the crisp shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh tomato slices.
- The Grand Finale: Sauce and Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of your prepared Chimi sauce over the top of the assembled ingredients. Place the top bun, and your delicious, homemade Vegetarian Chimi Dominican Burger is ready to be enjoyed!
In total, preparing this incredible vegetarian Chimi Dominican burger takes less than five minutes from start to finish. This makes it an absolutely perfect meal option, especially during the Lent season when you’re seeking a simple, yet profoundly satisfying, plant-based cuisine. It’s an excellent choice for those moments when time is of the essence but you refuse to compromise on flavor or nutrition. Furthermore, its unique and appealing taste makes it a superb and unexpected lunch or dinner option for guests, offering a taste of authentic Dominican culture in a convenient, healthy package.
Pin This Delicious Vegetarian Dominican Chimi Burger Recipe!
If you loved this recipe and plan to try it, don’t forget to pin it to your favorite recipe boards on Pinterest! Share the joy of this easy, flavorful, and healthy plant-based meal with your friends and family.
Ready to bring the authentic taste of my vegetarian Chimi Dominican burger recipe into your kitchen? There’s never been a better time to try it! Right now, you can earn $3 when you purchase any three MorningStar Farms® products simply by using this exclusive online coupon! Don’t miss out on this fantastic offer; it’s available only while supplies last. For more mouth-watering recipes, product updates, and to join a vibrant community of plant-based food enthusiasts, make sure to get social with MorningStar Farms. Like their page on Facebook, explore delicious meal ideas by pinning along on Pinterest, follow them for quick updates on Twitter, or discover inspiring food photography and recipes on Instagram. Your next favorite vegetarian meal is just a click away!