Cumin-Scented Black Bean Burgers

| August 31, 2016

Ingredients

  • 2 T olive oil
  • ½ cup finely minced onion

  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 2 tsp. minced or crushed garlic
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked black beans
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup whole grain bread crumbs (on the fine side)

Directions

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat for a minute. Add 1 T olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  2. Toss in the onion and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes or until it begins to soften.
  3. Add the cumin, garlic, and 1⁄4 tsp salt and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
  4. Transfer the beans (drained) to a medium-large bowl and use a potato masher or fork to smash them as smooth as possible.
  5. Stir in the beaten egg, bread crumbs, the remaining 1⁄4 tsp salt and pepper. Add the onion and mix until thoroughly combined.
  6. Use a 1/3 cup measure and form the bean mixture into patties.
  7. Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat for another minute or so.
  8. When the pan is hot, add a scant 1⁄2 T olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.Carefully transfer as many burgers as will fit in a single layer to the hot, oiled pan. Smooth the top surface with a spatula, so the burger will crisp evenly, and push in the sides so they will together and keep their shape as the cook.
  9. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook about 5 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Use a small spatula with a thin blade to carefully loosen each burger and flip it over, adding a little more oil as needed pushing the burgers back into shape if needed.
  10. Cook on the second side about another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bottoms are nicely browned.
  11. Continue to cook in batches adding more oil as needed, until all the batter is used.
  12. Serve hot or warm on a bun or over a bed of greens. Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped scallions and cilantro.

Yields 6 servings (6 burgers)

Nutrition Information per serving: Calories 264; Total Fat 7g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrate 41g; Fiber 10g; Protein 12g; Sodium 338mg

Adapted from The Heart of the Plate Copyright © 2013 by Mollie Katzen