Hello BBQ Season | Southwestern Black Bean Burgers

Black beans have been making many appearances on this little blog of mine lately, I just noticed. What can I say, I must be a fan of sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants. Black beans are also very versatile, partnering well with many different ingredients and flavors. I came across this recipe for Southwestern Black Bean burgers last summer when perusing one of my favorite blogs, Everybody Likes Sandwiches. My vegetarian best friend, and her vegetarian husband were coming over for dinner, and I wanted to knock their socks off with a delicious and unique vegetarian entree.

Despite a couple of failures during the assembly phase (a food processor that died halfway through its duties, and a new BBQ that wouldn’t work), the burgers came together in the end and were incredible! Great flavor, awesome texture, and easily adaptable to various toppings. I served the burgers with fresh avacado and tomato, salsa, and a chili-lime mayonnaise that I whipped up at the last moment. Coupled with homemade baked fries, the meal was a hit. However, these could easily be topped with run-of-the-mill burger condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, even cheese), and would still be dynamite. You can throw the burgers on the BBQ or cook them stovetop, whichever you prefer. Keep this recipe in mind for your BBQs this season!

Southwestern Black Bean Burgers (adapted from Everybody Likes Sandwiches)

2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 TBSP. cumin
2 TBSP. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne powder (more if you like it spicy)
A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (ie. tobasco)
1/2 tsp. salt
3 TBSP. greek low-fat yogurt
3/4 cup oat bran
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 TBSP. ground flax seeds
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
8 hamburger buns, warmed

Blend together 1 can of beans, garlic, yogurt and spices in a food processor or blender. Dump into a bowl and add the second can of beans, oat bran, wheat germ, flax, cilantro and lime. Stir everything together until well mixed. If your mixture is too soft to form patties, add a little bit more oat bran. If it is too stiff, add a little bit of water. Form into 8 patties and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

If cooking the burgers on the stovetop, heat 2 TBSP. of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown each side, about 3 minutes per side or until slightly crispy. If cooking on the BBQ, throw the burgers on a medium-high grill, but line your grill with tin foil (brushed with oil or sprayed with cooking spray, to avoid sticking), and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy. Top cooked burgers with whatever your little heart desires and enjoy!

*For an easy chili-lime mayonnaise, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with the juice of half a lime, 1 TBSP. chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add in a little cayenne pepper for some extra heat, if that tickles your fancy.

On another note, spring seems to have finally sprung around here. The sun is out, the temperatures are warm(er), and it feels like winter might finally be behind us. The little stinker is obsessed with the smells that are being uncovered by melted snow and warmth. She looks angelic here, but looks can be very deceiving. Happy Good Friday!