The burger that you are looking at here is a black bean burger that is just as delicious as a regular beef burger, guaranteed (unless you dislike meat- if so, then you’ll find that this one is way better!). Leah and I agree that it is silly to try to make vegetarian foods that clearly contain no meat taste like meat- tofurkey and chicken-free nuggets are conceptually kind of strange. Why pretend that tofu/soybeans are like meat? Instead, embrace foods that are naturally vegetarian!

These burgers taste nothing like their meat counterparts, but they still have plenty of flavor. They are also extremely quick to prepare, and are very nutritious. Topped with roasted red pepper, onion, and Havarti cheese, these are a great alternative for you and your vegetarian friends (and really anyone) who are searching for hearty and delicious meals.

Black Bean Burgers

Recipe from Annie’s Eats, originally from The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook

Makes 6 Burgers
Ingredients

3/4 cup panko
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 minced shallot

To top/for serving:

Lettuce

Onion

Roasted red peppers

Sliced Havarti cheese

Burger Buns

Directions

Heat a skillet over medium heat.  Combine the panko with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil.  Add the mixture to the skillet and toast the panko, stirring regularly, until light golden brown and toasted.  Let cool to room temperature.

Place 2½ cups of the beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher  until mostly smooth.  In a smaller bowl, combine the eggs, 1 tablespoon of the oil, cumin, salt and cayenne with a whisk.  Add the egg mixture, toasted panko, the remaining 1/2 cup beans, bell pepper, cilantro and shallot to the bowl with the mashed beans.  Stir together until combined.

Divide the mixture into 6 portions, about 1/2 cup each.  Lightly pack into patties of desired thickness. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Carefully lay half of the patties in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides for a total time of 8-10 minutes. As the patties approach being fully cooked, top with slices of the cheese so that they can melt.  Transfer the cooked burgers to a plate and keep in a warm place and repeat the cooking process with the remaining oil and bean patties. Serve warm on buns with lettuce, onion, and sliced roasted red peppers. Enjoy!