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!!

Spicy Pico de Gallo Burger

Throughout my second pregnancy, I have been having intense cravings for SPICY food and MEAT. Ironically, these are two things that I do not typically gravitate towards. But, what baby wants--baby gets. And, I don't hear anyone else in the house complaining---because some of these dishes that we are having are DELICIOUS!

We had these Mexican-style Pico De Gallo Burgers tonight---served inside whole wheat pita pockets and topped with plain Greek yogurt. WOW! So savory, juicy and satisfying! On the side, baked sweet potato fries paired nicely. This is one CLEAN meal that leaves you feeling like you indulged in a diner-style burger deluxe platter. A MUST TRY!

Spicy Pice De Gallo Burger 

Ingredients:

1 lb 95% lean ground beef

1/3 cup all-natural spicy pico de gallo or salsa

sea salt and pepper, to taste

1 avocado, chopped 

1 plum tomato, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

2-3 tsp. lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

nonfat Greek yogurt, for topping

100% whole grain pita pockets, hamburger buns, or Ezekiel english muffins, if desired

lettuce and tomato, for topping

Directions:

I used my George Foreman grill for this recipe, and it worked so well! But, if you're using your oven broiler, be sure to position the rack about 7 inches from the broiler--and preheat to high. Then, line a broiler pan with foil.

In a large bowl: combine beef, pico de gallo, salt and pepper. Mix well and shape into 4-6 equal patties, depending on the size you like (we prefer them small--like sliders).

Place the burgers on the prepared baking sheet. If using the broiler--the burgers will need about 5-7 minutes cooking time on each side. If using a George Foreman---they will cook faster, within about 5-6 minutes, total. Check to be sure that the internal temperature reads at 160F.

In a small bowl, mix together the avocado, diced tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro and lime juice. mash with the back of a fork. Add salt and pepper, if desired.

To serve, spread a bit of yogurt on your bread of choice. Next, some lettuce and tomato. Then, the spicy burger. Finally, top with your homemade guacamole. 

DIG INTO THAT BABY!!