Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers can offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to other meat burgers. And as someone who doesn't eat red meat, when I discovered them years ago I was pleasantly surprised and grateful!   

I love a thick and flavorful black bean patty between 2 whole grain buns, layered with avocado, tomato, lettuce, maybe a little red onion and a splash of honey mustard topped off with a slice of the best baby Swiss cheese! YUM.

And it was a total game changer when I learned how to make them myself!

There are so many ways you can make your black bean burgers, my favorite is to add some flavorful spice (not hot but zesty), and these Spicy Black Bean Burgers don't disappoint! But don't worry, if you prefer a little less kick, I've got you covered with a few quick tips below.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 small yellow or white onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2-3 tsp. minced garlic)

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (use 1/2 pepper if you prefer less spicy)

• 1 tsp. dried oregano

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1, 15 oz. corn, rinsed

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

• 1/2 C plain bread crumbs

• 4 tsp. chili powder (reduce to 2 tsp. if you prefer less spicy)

• 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced

• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/2 C flour (I use whole wheat, use your preferred flour choice)

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil (for cooking the patties)

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sit in onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, and oregano to cook until onions are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and add corn to the skillet, cook until the red bell pepper is tender, about 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Mash black beans in a large mixing bowl.

4. Add the vegetable mixture cooked in the skillet, bread crumbs, chili powder, cilantro, cumin, and salt into the mashed black beans. Stir until combined.

5. Put flour in a shallow bowl or baking dish, then divide the black bean mixture into 4 patties and coat each side with flour (it's okay if you have flour left over).

6. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the black bean patties.

7. Cook each side of the black bean patty about 5 to 8 minutes, until browned.

Eat and Enjoy!

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