Southwest Black Bean Burger

This morning, after reading this article about the harmful chemicals contained in many pre-packaged veggie burger brands, I realized I had no idea how to make a veggie burger from scratch…but that I now had a burning desire to.

Why eat pre-packaged processed veggie burgers made from soy when you can create your own from organic fresh vegetables, grains and beans?

Thanks to the many food blogs out there in cyberspace, I was able to piece together a bunch of different ingredients and make a recipe of my own. It was astonishingly simple, and the taste was a million times fresher and more delicious than any packaged frozen veggie burger! Thanks to my amazing friend Becky for coming over and being my taste-tester. :)

My burgers are meat & dairy-free, with Southwest inspired flavors and a spicy kick. Check out the recipe below and make it just like this, or alter it to include your favorite spices or veggies! The world is your oyster, my friends. Lets get started.

Burger Ingredients (makes about 6 large burgers):

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup brown rice (cooked)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or spelt flour, etc)
• 1 jalapeno, minced, seeds removed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• small handful of cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 a red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• lime juice from 1/2 a lime
• sea salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• pinch cayenne

Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Pico de gallo (chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic & cilantro)
• Hot sauce

First, cook your brown rice. While the rice is cooking, add the minced red onion and garlic to a separate pan and sautee for a few minutes.

While the rice and onions/garlic are cooking, add all of the rest of the burger ingredients listed above into a bowl. Add in the onions/garlic when they’ve been cooking long enough to look translucent and tender.

Mix all ingredients together well.

Take 1/2 of the burger mixture and put it into your blender or food processor. Blend until fairly smooth. Leave the other 1/2 chunky.

Blend the chunky and the smooth portions together in a bowl. Get a spoonful and make a patty. If your mixture seems too moist to create a patty, add a little more whole wheat flour or rice. If it is too dry, add a little water.

Cook in a pan until golden brown on both sides. I used coconut oil in my pan.

Get your toppings ready…

Plate your burger, add your toppings, drizzle with hot sauce, and feel the love. :)