Bean Burgers

So, the first thing to remember is that these are not really burgers...they are beans.  With that in mind, sadly, you can't just slap them between two buns and enjoy.   They need a little help in the way of spices, seasoning, and toppings.  Okay, they need a lot of help.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that you can dress them up in many ways.  This one is a spicy burger topped with sautéed mushrooms, but you can add avocado, onions, barbecue sauce, and the like.   With a little shredded cabbage and soy sauce in the mix, they have an Asian flair.   Add taco seasoning, avocado, and top with salsa for TexMex burgers.

They freeze really well either "raw" or cooked so make a double batch to make next week's dinner easier.


Black Bean Burgers

1 can black beans, rinsed well, or equivalent
1/2 cup salsa, drained of juice, as spicy as you like it
1 cup chopped mushrooms, optional
1/2 cup dry oatmeal or whole wheat flour
Seasonings (pepper, garlic, cayenne, etc)
1 tsp oil or water in pan,  OR bake them


Mash beans with fork or potato masher.  Season well with spices to your tastes.
Add salsa, mushrooms, and oats or flour and mix with fork.
If mixture is too dry, add more salsa.  If it's too wet,  add more flour.
Heat oil in pan and add burgers.
Cook until crispy on one side, flip and do the same to the other side.
You can also cook these in the oven.