I have been wanting to make black bean burgers for some time now, but was intimidated by them for some reason. I can’t even remember what that reason is now that I have made them…
I have been trying to introduce more “healthy” meals into Ryan and my diet, which isn’t the easiest when the bf is not so prone to loving vegetables, and DEFINITELY does NOT go out of his way to eat beans. I think that is why I put these off for so long. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I made the brisket baked beans, and he loved them. It was after that meal when he asked me “what healthy food do you want me to try next?” That was my cue!
Don’t judge me here, I am about to admit something that the Boston Foodie Community may disown me for….I love Chili’s Black Bean Burger. It is true, I can’t hide it any longer. Now, I haven’t been to Chili’s in about 5 years, and I only had the black bean burger once, but I have dreamt about it for the years in between. I have tried other black bean burgers, and they just never seemed right. I want the consistency of char on the outside and a nice soft inside. Well, you know what they say, if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself. With that in mind, I present to you…Homemade Black Bean Burgers…and yes, they were just right!
Side Note: I ate mine on a super healthy Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Pita and topped it with Frank’s Red Hot…I eat that sh$t on everything! But feel free to dress your burger up any way you like!
Ingredients:
- 14 oz can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (chopped)
- 1/4 Vidalia onion (chopped)
- 1/4 red pepper (chopped)
- 1/4 green pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp Sriracha (Can sub other hot sauce or omit completely. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more…I did!)
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Place rinsed black beans in a food processor or blender with Sriracha (if using).
- Pulse the beans until they are a paste. You may have to stir them several times to make sure all beans are processed
- Place bean paste in a mixing bowl
- Place onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro and parsley in food processor or blender and pulse until well blended but not liquidy.
- Line a plate with paper towels and pour veggie mix on top of towels. Blot with another paper towel to remove some moisture.
- Immediately remove the veggies from the plate and put them in the mixing bowl with the beans. If you leave the veggies on the plate too long they will stick to the paper towel.
- Mix everything together very well (like kneading meat for meatballs)
- Add the panko and mix again
- Add salt and more sriracha to taste
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat
- Form bean mixture into patties and place in hot skillet
- Flatten patties with a spatula
- Allow to cook 5 minutes on each side, or until brown
- Remove from pan, serve on your favorite bun, pita or salad!
Eat.Live.Blog. 
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