Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

When I was younger, I absolutely loved some of the more popular brands of frozen black bean veggie burger patties in our local supermarket. This, of course, was before I learned how processed they are----not to mention, how simple they are to make from scratch. It had been a long while since I made some, and tonight's clear, summer-like weather made for a perfect night to BBQ! Paired with some grilled artichoke and yogurt dipping sauce, these were a savory pleasure--without any guilt at all! Best of all? They are SUPER inexpensive to make!

Try 'em out!

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients:

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 bell pepper, cut into chunks

1/2 vidalia onion, cut into wedges

3 cloves of garlic, peeled

1 egg

1 Tablespoon Chipotle Seasoning

1 tsp. Sriracha Sauce

1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs 

Procedure:

1. In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with the back of a fork.
2. Next, add the bell pepper, onion and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Stir in the mashed beans.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the egg, seasoning, sriracha sauce. Then, add to the bean mixture and stir. 
4. Mix in the bread crumbs until sticky, but able to hold together. Divide and shape into 4 patties.
5. Place the patties on wax paper and plate...and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours)
6. If grilling, be sure to do so on aluminum foil---cook for about 8 minutes each side. Otherwise, these can also be baked on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes each side at 375 degrees.

***Awesome toppings for these burgers include: thick slices of heirloom tomatoes, grilled onions, avocado/guacamole, or salsa. 

Serve on a whole wheat bun, flat bread, pita or bed of greens and ENJOY!!