Smoky Amaranth Black Bean Burgers
Try this Smoky Amaranth Black Bean Burgers recipe.
Try this Smoky Amaranth Black Bean Burgers recipe.
- cilantro leaves
- 1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dry amaranth
- scant 3/4 cup water
- a genenerous pinch of salt thyme, smoked paprika
- 1 can black beans (15 oz about 1.5 cups cooked)
- 1 green chili pepper finely chopped (use less or more or omit per spice preference. i liked the added heat from the fresh serrano peppers)
- 1/2 tsp each of garlic powder salt, smoked paprika, cumin powder, chipotle pepper powder, onion flakes, dried parsley
- 2 + tbsp brown rice flour or bread crumbs or regular
- 2 tsps extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk or thin cashew cream
- 1/4 loaded cup roasted red peppers
- 1/4 tsp each of salt garlic powder
- 2-3 slices of pickled jalapeno (optional)
- a dash of tabasco chipotle sauce or hot sauce(opti
- juicy tomato slices
- red onion slices/rings
- lettuce or greens
- Carbohydrate 7.91825 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.2789 g
- Fiber 1.9804999423027 g
- Protein 1.53165 g
- Saturated Fat 0.025795 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (106g)
- Sodium 6.45 mg
- Sugar 5.9377500576973 g
- Trans Fat 0.14937 g
- Calories 37 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the amaranth: Wash and drain ½ cup amaranth. (You can skip the washing and directly cook the grain too). Heat a deep pan at medium, add washed amaranth to the pan and toast for half a minute. Add water, salt, thyme, paprika, mix and cook on medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low once it starts to boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the grains are tender. Stir once or twice towards the end to avoid sticking.
- Meanwhile make the red pepper sauce: In a blender, blend everything under sauce. Taste and adjust.
- Back to patties: Chop up the red pepper and chili, In a bowl, add black beans, peppers, salt and spices. Add the cooked amaranth and oil and give everything a good mix. Mash a bit to mash the black beans. Taste for spice and salt. Now add the brown rice flour to the mixture to make it less sticky. Add less or more just enough to handle the mixture without it being a sticky mess.
- Use a cookie cutter and press a good dollop of the mix into and through it to shape the patties on parchment lined baking sheet. Even them out and brush a little oil on top.(optional). I used 2 inch cookie cutter as my buns were 2.5 inches. and got 6 patties.
- Bake at pre-heated 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice up the topping veggies and greens and set up the plates and buns for assembly. Grab your favorite drink and catch up on Instagram.
- Assemble the burgers. Layer lettuce/greens, a fat juicy tomato slice, hot patties, a good load of the roasted red pepper sauce, red onion slices, cilantro and bun.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Smoky Amaranth Black Bean Burgers
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals often feels like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school pick-ups, and trying to maintain some semblance of order in our household. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Smoky Amaranth Black Bean Burgers, I was initially skeptical. Amaranth? Black beans? It sounded…interesting, to say the least. But my family is always up for an adventure (or at least, they're always willing to try my culinary experiments), so I decided to give it a shot.
The preparation itself was surprisingly straightforward. I’ve always been a bit intimidated by cooking grains, but the amaranth was incredibly easy to prepare. The recipe’s instructions were clear and concise, and even I, with my limited cooking skills, managed to navigate the steps without any major mishaps. The most time-consuming part was undoubtedly the chopping of vegetables – a task I usually delegate to my kids as a way to get them involved in the kitchen.
The blending of the red pepper sauce was a simple yet satisfying process. The aroma that wafted from the blender was incredible; a vibrant blend of roasted peppers and spices, filling my kitchen with a comforting warmth. Putting together the burger patties was a little messy (a common theme in my kitchen!), but the final product was incredibly satisfying. The patties held their shape beautifully during baking, and their smoky flavor was simply divine.
The taste? Let me tell you, it was a revelation. The smoky amaranth added a unique depth of flavor that I hadn’t expected. The black beans provided a hearty texture, and the roasted red pepper sauce added a sweet and spicy kick that perfectly complemented the earthy amaranth. The whole family devoured these burgers, and even my picky eater, who typically turns up his nose at anything remotely healthy, went back for seconds.
What truly surprised me about this recipe was its versatility. The basic patty recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of chili for more or less heat, swap out the toppings to match what you have on hand, or even add other vegetables to the mix. I’ve already experimented with adding finely chopped carrots and zucchini, and the results were equally delicious.
This recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and relatively quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a great way to introduce new flavors and ingredients to your family, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. So, if you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving these Smoky Amaranth Black Bean Burgers a try. You might just be surprised at how much your family enjoys them!
Beyond the Burgers: A Reflection on Busy Life and Simple Pleasures
Cooking, for me, isn’t just about sustenance; it’s a form of self-care, a way to reconnect with myself and my family amidst the chaos of daily life. In the whirlwind of meetings and deadlines, the simple act of preparing a meal, however humble, becomes a grounding ritual. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the fragrant steam rising from the pan – these are the small moments that remind me to slow down and appreciate the present.
This recipe, with its unexpected combination of ingredients and surprisingly delightful outcome, perfectly embodies this philosophy. It’s a testament to the fact that even seemingly complex endeavors can be simplified with a little planning and creativity. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be a burden; it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
More than just a meal, this recipe is a symbol of my journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. It’s a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected, of stepping outside of my comfort zone, and of finding joy in the simplest of things. And yes, it’s also a delicious burger recipe that my family absolutely loves. But that's just a bonus.
