Tofu Hijiki Burgers

1/4 cup dried hijiki seaweed
1 cup peeled and grated carrots
2 Tbsp. pressed garlic
2 tsp. grated fresh ginger root
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
24 oz. firm tofu, pressed*
1/2 cup minced scallions
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup light miso (or more, to taste)
1 tsp. dark sesame oil

• Rinse the hijiki in a sieve or strainer and place in a bowl with warm water. Set aside, covered, to soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Generously oil a baking sheet or coat with cooking spray.
• Sauté the carrots, garlic, and ginger in the oil for about 5 minutes, until the carrots are limp. In a bowl, mash or crumble the tofu. Add the cooked carrots and the scallions, sesame seeds, miso, and sesame oil and stir well. Drain and chop the soaked hijiki and stir into the mix.
• Use about 1/2 cup per burger and form into patties. Place on the baking sheet and bake until firm and golden, about 30 to 40 minutes.

*Note: Put the cakes of tofu between two plates, and place a heavy can or book on top. Press for about 15 minutes, and then drain off the excess liquid.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Makes 4 to 6 servings

From Moosewood Restaurant New Classics, copyright © 2001, Moosewood, Inc., Clarkson Potter, New York.