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.

Black Bean Burger

Ingredients:

        15 oz 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 Tbs Chili Powder
        1 tsp Cumin
        salt and Black Pepper, to taste


Directions:

1. Place rinsed and drained black beans in a bowl. If needed, blot them with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
2. Mash well with a fork.
3. Place bell pepper, onion and garlic in a food processor and process until finely minced.
4. Transfer vegetable mixture to a fine strainer.
5. Use the back of a spoon to press out excess moisture. Don't skip this or the burger won't hold together.
6. Add the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the black beans.
7. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
8. Stir to combine.
9. Add beaten egg and mix well.
10. Stir in bread crumbs.
11. Divide mixture into 4 even-size portions.
12. Form them into patties with your hands.
13. 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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