Sandy's Black Bean Burgers
A great basic black bean burger recipe that I modify depending on what I have on hand to add into it. Sometimes I add cooked sweet potato or sauteed veggies or sometimes I just use scallions and raw veggies.
A great basic black bean burger recipe that I modify depending on what I have on hand to add into it. Sometimes I add cooked sweet potato or sauteed veggies or sometimes I just use scallions and raw veggies.
- 1 large egg
- kosher salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- sliced avocado for serving
- 1 15.5- oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 oz. finely grated pepper jack cheese (1/2 cup)
- 1 large scallion or onions minced
- 1 each red and yellow pepper diced
- 1 tbs. olive oil more for the plate
- 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns toasted
- jarred salsa for serving
- 1 each cooked sweet potato
- Carbohydrate 31.6981352169142 g
- Cholesterol 44.3090265347359 mg
- Fat 4.77172041993534 g
- Fiber 1.822613298267 g
- Protein 7.777657041808 g
- Saturated Fat 1.09041287131547 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (68g)
- Sodium 313.926795654612 mg
- Sugar 29.8755219186472 g
- Trans Fat 0.612320926747205 g
- Calories 201 calories
Step-by-step
- Sautee the onion, diced pepper and garlic.
- Put the oats in a food processor and pulse three times to roughly chop. Add half of the beans and pulse into a coarse paste, about 6 pulses.
- Add the egg, cumin, and 1/2 tsp. salt and process to mix well, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Stir in the cooked pepper, onions, garlic, cheese and remaining beans. Sometimes I add a cooked sweet potato too.
- With wet hands, form the bean mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties and transfer to a lightly oiled plate.
- Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Heat a large heavy-duty skillet (preferably cast iron) on high heat until very hot; add the oil and swirl the pan to coat the bottom.
- Cook the burgers until browned, with a good crust, 2 to 3 minutes; then carefully flip and cook, flipping again if necessary, until the burgers feel firm when pressed with a fingertip, another 3 to 5 minutes.
- I like to serve them with avocado and salsa.
- I have also served them with chipotle mayo, and topped them with red onion, avocado and a pickle.
Sandy's Simple Black Bean Burgers: A Busy Mom's Recipe
As a busy mom, finding quick and healthy meals is always a priority. My days are a whirlwind of school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house afloat. So, when I discovered this black bean burger recipe, it became an instant staple. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand, and always tastes delicious. Forget complicated recipes and time-consuming prep – this one is all about simplicity and flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Some days, I’ll throw in some leftover cooked sweet potato for extra sweetness and moisture. Other times, I’ll sauté a mix of colorful peppers and onions for a vibrant burst of flavor. And on those days when I'm truly short on time, a quick chop of scallions does the trick. The basic elements remain the same – black beans, oats, and a few pantry staples – but the possibilities for customization are endless. This allows me to create a unique and satisfying meal every single time, without sacrificing valuable time or energy.
The secret to a perfect black bean burger? Don’t over-process the beans! A slightly coarse texture is key to maintaining a hearty and flavorful patty. A few pulses in the food processor are all you need. I’ve learned over time to adjust the amount of oats depending on the moisture content of the beans. Sometimes, a little extra is needed to bind everything together, resulting in patties that hold their shape beautifully during cooking. A quick chill in the refrigerator before cooking helps further solidify the patties, preventing them from falling apart in the pan.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. I love experimenting with different toppings. Sometimes, it's a simple yet elegant combination of creamy avocado and zesty salsa. Other times, I like to add a spicy kick with chipotle mayo, layering it with crisp red onion, creamy avocado, and a tangy pickle. The possibilities are as endless as my imagination. The toasted whole-wheat buns provide the perfect vehicle for this delicious filling, adding a touch of satisfying crunch to the whole experience.
The best part? This recipe is a hit with the entire family, even my picky eaters! It's a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy way to get everyone to eat their veggies. The hearty texture and satisfying flavor make it a meal that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or taste preferences. For me, it's more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity in the kitchen. It’s a reflection of my approach to cooking – fuss-free and family-friendly. And it’s a recipe that I'll continue to make for years to come, adapting and evolving it with each family dinner.
Beyond the ease and adaptability, this recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of resourcefulness and making the most of what you have. In the midst of busy days and hectic schedules, it reminds me of the importance of nourishing myself and my family with delicious, healthy food without sacrificing precious time or effort. It's a recipe that has become synonymous with my family's life - a balance of health, convenience, and most importantly, shared moments around the dinner table.
This black bean burger recipe isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that simple, delicious, and healthy meals can be achieved even on the busiest of days. It’s about making the most of what’s in your pantry, embracing versatility, and creating a meal that brings joy and nourishment to your family. The simplicity and adaptability allow me to create a unique and satisfying meal every time, always tailored to the available ingredients and my family’s cravings. It's a constant in my sometimes chaotic world, a delicious and predictable element amidst the unpredictable.
So, next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable meal, give these black bean burgers a try. You might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner. Whether you add a twist with a sweet potato or simply stick to the basic recipe, the result is a satisfying and flavorful meal that will leave you feeling both nourished and empowered. It's a recipe that truly embodies my approach to cooking - simple, adaptable and always delicious, leaving me more time to focus on what matters most – my family.
