black bean burgers

Friday, March 5, 2010

Homemade Black Bean Burgers Recipe

I'm a sucker for a burger and fries. There, I admitted it.

But I'm also trying to be healthy (or at least, healthier) so I've started collecting recipes for ways to bridge both desires. Here's a recipe for a homemade black bean burger (which I've scaled down to only two servings) that has become a regular in our recipe line-up.

Black Bean Burgers (serves 2)
Ingredients
1/2 cup dried black beans (or about half a can of black beans, rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/8 cup minced red onion
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
dash of black pepper
1/2 large egg (I usually just refrigerate the other half to make for breakfast the next morning; according to the USDA, make sure to "Use leftover yolks and whites within 4 days.")

Directions
If using dried black beans, be sure to soak and boil the them first for the appropriate amount of time.
Once that's done or if you're using canned black beans, place beans in a large bowl and mash with a fork or put in a food processor to chop them down (I find that easiest).
Stir in the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Divide the mixture into two patties and then grill on skillet/frying pan for about 5 minutes each side.

You're done. Seriously. Throw on a hamburger bun, top with guacamole or salsa or whatever toppings you like, and enjoy! (I like to serve them up with a side of sweet potatoes. I really can not get enough of those little tubers!)