Description
These Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayonnaise offer a flavorful, plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Packed with black beans, fresh veggies, and smoky chipotle, they deliver a satisfying texture and a spicy kick, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Served on whole wheat buns with creamy avocado slices, this recipe is both hearty and nutritious.
Ingredients
Chipotle Mayonnaise
- 3 1/2 tbsp light mayonnaise (Hellman's)
- 1 tbsp canned chipotle in adobo sauce
Burgers
- 16 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into 2 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 jumbo egg
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 cup quick oats (use gluten free oats for gluten free option)
To Serve
- 4 whole wheat 100 calorie buns (Martin's*)
- 1 small hass avocado (sliced thin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chipotle Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, combine the light mayonnaise and canned chipotle in adobo sauce. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Dry the Beans: After rinsing and draining the black beans, pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing extra moisture helps the burgers hold together better during cooking.
- Mash the Beans: In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the black beans until they become thick and pasty but still retain some texture for bite.
- Process the Vegetables and Mix Ingredients: In a food processor, finely chop the red bell pepper, chopped scallions, cilantro, and garlic cloves. Add the quick oats to the processor and pulse briefly to combine. Transfer this mixture to the bowl with mashed beans, then add the jumbo egg, cumin, kosher salt (adjust between 1/4 to 1/2 tsp), and hot sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly until combined.
- Form Patties: Using slightly oiled hands, divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently form each into a patty. Place the patties on a flat surface lined with wax paper. If the mixture feels too wet to hold shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or mix in an additional tablespoon of oats.
- Freeze Patties: Freeze the formed patties for at least 2 hours before cooking. They can be kept frozen until ready to cook, which helps them hold shape and bake or grill evenly.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a lightly sprayed skillet over medium heat and cook the frozen patties about 7 minutes on each side until heated through and browned. Alternatively, preheat a grill to medium heat and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil before placing the patties on it. Grill for 7-8 minutes per side. Another cooking option is to bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a lightly oiled baking sheet for the same duration.
- Assemble and Serve: Toast the whole wheat buns if desired, then layer each bun with a black bean burger patty, a generous spread of chipotle mayonnaise, and thin slices of Hass avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Drying the beans well is essential to prevent the burgers from falling apart during cooking.
- If the mixture is too loose, chilling or adding extra oats helps firm up the patties.
- Quick oats can be substituted with gluten-free oats to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- These burgers can be cooked via skillet, grill, or oven baking, depending on your preference and available equipment.
- For a spicier burger, increase the chipotle or hot sauce quantities slightly to taste.
- Keeping the patties frozen prior to cooking helps preserve their shape and texture.
