Delicious Black Bean Burger

Since the beginning of barbeque season we've been using the PitBoss a lot! To heck with the air temperature, that's what later meals are for. The difference this year is that my youngest is dating a young lady who is a vegetarian. I've made a few adjustments to my menus to accommodate her. One of those changes I've made is to include Black Bean Burgers to our barbeques. I played with several recipes and this is the recipe she likes best. Each time I make it the burgers look better. As my oldest said "It's almost like practice makes perfect". Yup, something like that.

Ingredients:

• 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1/2 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 large egg , beaten
• 2/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Place rinsed and drained black beans in a bowl. If needed, blot them with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Mash well with a fork.
• Place bell pepper, onion and garlic in a food processor and process until finely minced.
• Transfer vegetable mixture to a fine strainer and use the back of a spoon to press out excess moisture. Don't skip this or the burger won't hold together.
• Add the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the black beans.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Add beaten egg and mix well.
• Stir in bread crumbs.


• Divide mixture into 4 even-size portions. Form them into patties with your hands.
• Cook, separate from beef burgers, on well-oiled grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
• Top like you would any burger.

  

        Enjoy!

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