Day Twenty-Four - Black Bean Burgers (2.25.14)

Ingredients

• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 1/2 Tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 slices reduced-fat pepper Jack cheese
• 2 whole wheat hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup fresh salsa

Instructions

1) Combine 1/2 can black beans and garlic in a food processor; pulse until smooth, adding 1 Tbsp water, if necessary.

2) Coarsely mash remaining 1/2 can of black beans. Stir mashed black beans, bell pepper, cilantro, egg, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper into pureed bean mixture until combined; form mixture into 2 patties.

3) Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; brown patties 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

4) Top each with a slice of cheese; cover and let stand 1 minute or until melted.

5) Place patties on each bun half; top with salsa and bun top.

We enjoyed this dish with chips and guacamole and salads.

Opinions

Potter: I've never made black bean or non-beef burgers before, so this whole thing was an experiment from end to end. Things I learned: the less water you need to add the better, a blender does not always work in place of a food processor and be careful flipping them they are delicate. In spite of all of that these things turned out pretty delicious. We had homemade guacamole instead of salsa which was also delicious. Turns out these things are really quick and easy to make and surprisingly filling all while tasting delicious.

Katie: This black bean burger was delicious! I've had spicier ones, so the proportions could definitely be played with if you like spicy. Homemade guacamole is always great and tonight was no different; it worked so well with the burger. :) I was still surprised (as I always am) that these burgers are so filling!