Homemade black bean burgers are a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional meat-based burgers. They’re not only delicious but also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional, for added texture)
- Cooking oil for frying (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Burger buns and your choice of toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cheese, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Beans:
- Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold running water. This helps remove excess salt and starch.
- Place the drained black beans in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mash the Black Beans:
- Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the black beans until they are mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. This will help bind the burger together.
3. Add Ingredients:
- Add the breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, finely chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed black beans. If you’re using fresh cilantro or parsley and corn kernels, add them to the mixture as well.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.
4. Form the Burger Patties:
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into burger patties. The size of the patties depends on your preference, but aim for a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
5. Cook the Black Bean Burgers:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
- Once the oil is hot, place the black bean burger patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. You can also grill them on a barbecue if you prefer.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast your burger buns in the skillet or on the grill until they are lightly browned.
- Assemble your black bean burgers with your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cheese, and condiments like ketchup or mayo.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade black bean burgers immediately while they’re still hot. Enjoy!
These homemade black bean burgers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings and condiments to suit your taste. They’re a great option for vegetarians and vegans and are sure to satisfy your burger cravings.