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Grilled Southwestern Black Bean Burgers
Mashed black beans, fresh cilantro, and a kick of hot pepper sauce form the base of these hearty plant-based patties. You'll mix everything in a single bowl before tossing them on the grill to build a beautifully browned crust. Tucked into warm whole wheat pitas with crisp lettuce and mild salsa, they're a fantastic alternative to traditional meat. You don't need to be a vegetarian to appreciate the bold, savory flavors packed into these burgers.
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 1 (15- to 19-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons Vegan Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon plain dried bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 cup loosely packed sliced lettuce
- 4 (4-inch) mini whole wheat pita breads, warmed
- ½ cup mild salsa
Instructions
- 1Preheat an outdoor grill for direct cooking over medium heat.
- 2Place the drained black beans and vegan mayonnaise in a large bowl. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork until it's mostly smooth but still retains a few lumps for texture.
- 3Mix the chopped cilantro, dried bread crumbs, ground cumin, and hot pepper sauce into the mashed beans.
- 4Dust your hands lightly with flour so the mixture doesn't stick to your fingers, then form the beans into four round patties about 3 inches wide.
- 5Coat both sides of every bean patty with a light layer of cooking spray. This prevents them from sticking to the hot grates.
- 6Transfer the patties to the hot grill rack. Cook them over medium heat for about 6 minutes, flipping them exactly once, until they develop a lightly browned exterior.
- 7Layer the sliced lettuce inside the warmed whole wheat pita breads. Place a grilled bean burger in each pita and finish with a spoonful of mild salsa.
Notes
- Make ahead: Form the patties up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic.
- Storage: Leftover cooked patties keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Swap: If you don't have whole wheat pitas, standard hamburger buns or lettuce wraps work perfectly.
- Cooking tip: If you don't have an outdoor grill, cook these in a lightly oiled skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for the same amount of time.
Recipe Details
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