Even picky eaters will love these tasty vegetarian burgers. I’ve been tinkering with this recipe for over a year, and I think I’ve finally come up with something that is truly easy and delicious. Plus, these guilt-free burgers are loaded with veggies and fiber.
Ingredients–serves 4
1 red onion
1 bell pepper (use red if you are feeling fancy)
1-2 jalapeno pepper(s)–optional but so yummy!
1 can reduced sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
1 egg, beaten
1/2-3/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (or more to taste)
coarse salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns
1 Avocado
Favorite burger garnishes
Instructions
1. Cut the red onion in half. Reserve one half and cut the other into quarters. Cut the bell pepper and jalapeno into 1″ chunks. Place onion and peppers in a food processor and pulse until they resemble a coarse salsa. Add 80% of the beans and pulse until thick and pasty. Stir in the remaining beans, egg, and 1/2 cup bread crumbs. If the mixture looks too wet to form patties, add more bread crumbs until it has a texture a little softer than ground beef. Stir in spices and salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, shape the bean mixture into four equal patties and cut the remaining red onion and avocado into thin slices. Use a spatula to transfer bugers into hot oil. Cook until heated through and golden brown, 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Toast buns if desired. Place burgers on buns and top with onion and avocado along with your favorite burger garnishes. Some of our favorites are pepper-jack cheese, light mayo, and spicy brown mustard.
Tips
- It’s easy to double this recipe for a later meal. Just form the patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer until they are firm, about an hour. Individually wrap the frozen patties and cook them as usual (adding a few extra minutes per side) when you want a fast dinner.
- For a complete meal, serve these burgers with raw carrots, cellery, and cucumbers with light ranch dressing dip. Since the bugers are so healthy, you can treat yourself to an indulgent side like french fries or gourmet potato chips without feeling guilty.
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