Not Too Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Whether you're carnivorous, herbivorous, or an opportunistic eater, these burgers make a fab, cheap addition to the "What can I throw on a bun" category of dinner ideas.

To bring to a grilling party, consider doubling the amount of bread crumbs to give the burgers a firmer texture for easier flipping.

Vital Elements:
2 cans (or about 4 cups) cooked, rinsed, drained black beans
3 tablespoons chunky salsa
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned)
1 egg (or 1/4 cup eggbeater or 1/4 cup vegan egg replacer)

1/2 sweet onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh or jarred)
1/2 to 1 green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon Sazon Goya (or Taco seasoning, or 1 tsp each of dried oregano, ground cumin, & chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes)

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

The Process:
-Sauté onion, pepper and garlic until onions are clear and pepper is tender.

-Mash 3 cups black beans with a hand masher in a large mixing bowl or pulse in a food processor. Beans should be chunky, not soupy.

-Add remaining 1 cup of black beans, onion and pepper mixture, salsa, corn, egg, bread crumbs, salt and spices, and cilantro to mashed black beans and mix until combined. Mixture should be chunky and thick.




-Form into patties either using a dough cutter or the old-fashioned use your hands method. Try to keep the patties 1-2” thick.

-Chill patties in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before cooking or wrap in plastic wrap to store for up to a week.




-Grill on tin foil on a hot grill or cook in a large skillet prepared with cooking spray, over medium heat. Cook for about 4-5 minutes each side.

Serve with or without a bun and top as you like. My favorite topping is a few slices of fresh tomato and a good slathering of herb aioli.

Revolutionary Alterations:
Consider cooking a whole pepper and an entire onion and reserving half the mixture for another recipe such as a salsa or with the morning eggs.

Substitute a small can of mild or roasted green chilis for the green pepper.
Add a dash of spicy chili powder for kick and/or a spicier salsa.

Costs about $1-2.50 a burger.
The cost for all ingredients, if you have to buy every ingredient before starting, is $12-14.