Black Bean Burger Recipe: How to Make Tasty Veggie Burgers

For the patties:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 4-ounce can diced hatch green chile, drained
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro stems
• 1 chipotle pepper, chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For serving:

• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 4 slices cheese, like pepper jack or cheddar
• ½ red onion, sliced into rings
• 8 leaves butter lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Thinly sliced dill pickles and/or banana peppers
• 1 cup guacamole
• Assorted sauces, like hot sauce, ketchup, or chipotle mayo

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the black beans in an even layer on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet and bake until lightly crisp and dry to the touch, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large bowl or the bowl of a food processor.

2. 2

   In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add chopped onions, garlic, and diced green chile.

3. 3

   Sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the vegetable mixture to the beans. Wipe out the skillet and set aside.

4. 4

   Add the breadcrumbs, cilantro stems, chopped chipotle, eggs, cumin, coriander, and paprika to the black bean mixture, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Smash the beans. If using a mixing bowl, use a fork to mix everything together, smashing about half of the beans and leaving the other half intact. If using a food processor, pulse a few times to combine, leaving about half of the beans intact. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. 6

   Using a ⅓ cup or ½ cup measuring cup, portion out each patty onto a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Gently shape the patties into thick discs, taking care not to smash or knead.

7. 7

   Return the skillet to medium-high heat, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Swirl to coat the pan, then add 2 patties. Sear until crispy, about 5 minutes per side, then gently flip and cook the other side. Repeat with remaining patties.

8. 8

   Serve burgers on freshly toasted buns with cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, guacamole, and sauces.

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