Kitchen Experiments: Black Bean Burgers

I haven't had red meat since 2005. What started as part New Year's resolution + part health kick turned into a 7 year commitment. There is definitely no going back now. We do a lot of experimenting when it comes to non-red meat dishes and after having a delicious black bean burger at a restaurant the other day, John had the idea to try it at home. Sawyer even got to hang out while we prepped them in the baby Bjorn. They were pretty simple and turned out delicious!

Black Bean Burgers

notice we forgot to get buns..bread works just as nice.

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Steps

1. If grilling, preheat grill for high heat and oil a sheet of aluminum foil. (or you can  bake: preheat oven to 375 degrees F and oil a baking sheet.

helping mash the beans

2. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.

looks a little funny

3. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.

4. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.

5. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans.

6. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together.

we added cheese of course - john did Velveeta and I did Spicy cheese from the Farmer's Market

7. Divide mixture into four patties.

8. Place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Wore the little guy out!