Black Bean Burger with Veggie Mayo

Looking for an alternative to hamburgers? Veggie burgers are a great alternative and can be made with just about anything - black beans, white beans, chickpeas, lentils, or any other vegetable that can be mashed and formed into a patty.  Made right, they're delicious—but fragile. Cooking them on the stove top or under the broiler is best. I prefer homemade veggie burgers as opposed to commercial patties, which tend to have preservatives and other ingredients that are hard on the digestive system. The black bean burger is simple to make and takes about 30 - 40 minutes from prep time to the dinner table.

To prepare, you'll need black beans, green onions, bread crumbs, grated carrots, an egg, and seasoning.  For this recipe I used chili powder, cumin, paprika, kosher sea salt,  and black pepper.  (See full recipe below.)

In a large mixing bowl, mash 1-1/2 cups of the two cups of black beans.  Then add remaining 1/2 cup of black beans, green onions, celery, grated carrots, bread crumbs, egg, and dry spices.  Stir until mixed well.  I used a large fork to mix the ingredients, but you may also use a large spoon.

  

Using a large skillet or griddle, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat.  Take a large spoonful of the bean mixture and shape each patty (6 patties total) and place on the heated skillet.  I prefer an iron griddle because I can cook them all at one time.  Cook on one side until golden brown, flip and do the same on the other side.  

Serve burger on your favorite bun or toasted sliced bread and add spinach leaves or lettuce, cheese (optional) and top with the delicious veggie mayo.

Black Bean Burger

Ingredients:

2  cups of cooked black beans

(approximately 2 15oz cans worth, - drained & rinsed)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

1/2 cup bread crumbs or oats (gluten free also an option)

1 large carrot, grated

2 eggs

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1 teaspoon of cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon of kosher sea salt

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Makes about 6 patties

Veggie Mayo

1 small tomato
2 green onion stalks
1 tablespoon balsamic mayo
1 teaspoon brown mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
Place tomato and green onion in a food processor and chop lightly.  Drain excess water from tomato.  In a mixing bowl, add the mixture and remaining ingredients.  Stir until well mixed.