Black Bean Burgers

This simple vegetarian black bean burger recipe is a great alternative to traditional burgers. It makes approximately 5 servings and can be made well ahead of cooking.

Ingredients

• 15 ounces canned black beans (Rinse and drain)

• 1 large Anaheim pepper or approximately 3/4 cup chopped peppers of your choice (green bell pepper and Serrano peppers will also work)

• 1 small onion

• 4 cloves pealed and crushed garlic

• 1 large beaten egg

• Enough breadcrumbs to help mix hold its shape

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 2 tsps smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Add 15 ounces of black beans to a large mixing bowl. Remove any extra liquid from the beans with a paper towel if necessary. Smash beans with a fork or kitchen utensil.

2. Roughly chop 1 bell pepper, 1 small onion and 4 cloves of garlic. Add to a food processor and pulse until finely minced. 

3. In a fine mesh strainer remove the excess water left in the processor.

4. Combine all ingredients, except the egg and bread crumbs, to the large mixing bowl with the smashed black beans.  Salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine. 

5. Add in 1 large beaten egg and combine with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated.

6. Add bread crumbs 1/2 a cup at a time until the mixture begins to hold its shape and easily form a burger patty.

7. Form mixture into 5 black bean burger patties. Cook or store patties based on the guidance below.

8. Enjoy, these are black bean burgers you knead in your life!

Pick your own adventure:

1. Throw the burgers on the grill for about 5 minutes on each side.

2. Bake the burgers in an oven preheated to 375 degrees F for 10 minutes on each side. Get best results by placing the patties on a silicone mat or parchment paper.

3. Fry the burgers on a cast iron or skillet for about 5 minutes on each side.

4. Save the patties in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Tips

• Make sure to keep the raw mixture from getting too wet. If this happens, the patties will have difficulty holding their shape. If your mixture is too wet, add in more bread crumbs.

• For cheese burgers, add desired thinly sliced cheese several minutes before the patties are finished cooking.

• Dress up your homemade black bean burger by adding it to a homemade bun with spicy chipotle mayor and pepper jack cheese.