Actually Amazing Black Bean Burger

Ingredients

• 2 oz black beans (15 ounce cans, rinsed and dried)
• 0.5 cup prepared salsa (drained of excess liquid)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (can substitute with oat or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 0.25 cup red onions (minced)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Spread the rinsed and dried black beans evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

3. 3

   Bake the beans for 12-15 minutes until they are slightly dried out, mixing them halfway through the cooking time.

4. 4

   Transfer the baked beans to a large bowl and mash them partially with a potato masher, ensuring you leave some whole beans for texture.

5. 5

   Place the salsa in a fine-mesh sieve and stir or swoosh it around with a spoon to drain excess liquid until it looks compact.

6. 6

   Add the drained salsa, breadcrumbs, minced onions, beaten eggs, mustard, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the mashed beans.

7. 7

   Mix everything together and place the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to set and bind.

8. 8

   Form the mixture into 6-8 patties using about 1/3 cup of the mixture for each.

9. 9

   To cook on the stovetop: Heat half the olive oil in a large nonstick grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 4 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Repeat with the remaining oil and patties.

10. 10

    Alternatively, to cook on a grill: Brush the grill surface with oil and cook patties over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.

11. 11

    Alternatively, to bake: Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

12. 12

    Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing: Freeze patties before or after cooking for up to 3 months, stacked between parchment paper. Make-ahead: Uncooked patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• black bean burger
• southwestern
• high-protein
• dinner
• grilling
• baked