Living With a Vegetarian // Black Bean Burger Recipe

When Nicole first told me she didn't eat meat, I quickly apologized for the bulk of chicken that was sitting in the freezer. She assured me that she doesn't get grossed out by it or frowns upon the fact that I put it in my body. Well that was all fine and dandy, it made me think about why I eat it and just how much and how often, too.

While sitting at our kitchen table this weekend, we decided to look for a meatless recipe that we would both enjoy and settled on Black Bean Burgers by the fit cook. With the ingredients in one hand (and a Corona in the other), it was our turn to see if we would end up with a "Pinterest Fail" or not.

Ingredients:

1 15oz. can of black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup cooked brown rice

1/4 cup diced red pepper

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

salt + pepper

Directions:

1. Heat about 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add the rice and beans to the pot, and cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Transfer the rice and beans to a bowl, add the corn, and let the mixture cool. You can put it in the fridge to speed up the process.  

3. Add the cilantro and get ready to mash. Using a potato masher or a fork *we used a food processor*, press into the mixture until it reaches a paste-like consistency, or until it has potential to be shaped into a patty.

4. Divide the bean mixture into four equal parts and shape into patties. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. (If your bean mixture won't hold together, no matter how hard you press it together, add 1 egg white to the mixture.)

5. Bring a large pan up to medium heat and coat with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray. Carefully place the patties on the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until browned and toasty.

6. VERY carefully flip the patties and cook until the other side is browned.

While I had already finished my dinner by the time these were done, I brought one to work today and added it to my salad. The verdict? DELICIOUS! You could also eat these Black Bean Burgers…like a burger…and top with an avocado for added flavor!

P.S. Do you have any meatless recipes? Comment below and share!