Black Bean Burgers

I got hooked on black bean burgers when I tried Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers.  They are a-maz-ing, but expensive.  So, I came up with my own recipe.  I hope you like it.

1-15 oz can of black beans
1/3 c of bread crumbs
1/4 c diced peppers (I used a mix if yellow, red, and green)
1/4 c diced celery
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/2 of a jalapeno pepper, finely minced
1/2 a small onion, diced
3 tbs of olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
good pinch of salt and pepper

Makes 4 burgers

Rinse and drain the black beans.  In a skillet, over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.  Add your peppers, celery, garlic and onions and saute until softened, about 4 minutes. 

While the vegetables are cooking, in a large bowl, coursely mash the beans with a fork.  You want to leave some intact.

Add the sauteed vegetables, bread crumbs, and spices to the beans and mix thoroughly with your fork.

It is, ladies and gentlemen, at this point, that you will want to taste your mixture and adjust your seasonings accordingly.  I started with 1/2 tsp of cumin and a 1/4 jalapeno pepper, then adjusted up.  Remember, you can always add more, you cannot take away.

Once you've gotten your burgers to the flavor you want, add the egg and mix thoroughly. 

Form them into 4 patties (they are sticky), cover with plastic, and let them sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat.  Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up.  Add the black bean burgers and cook 4 minutes on each side, and you get this ...


Of course, every recipe is trial and error.  This was my first attempt.  It was in a dry cast iron skillet.  I can't recommend you try this.  If not for the jalapenos, it would have been dog food. 


I had mine on an Arnold's Whole Wheat Sandwich Thin with a slice of cheddar.  Feel free to veg up your burger; I'm just not that kind of girl!

Please enjoy!