Black Bean Burger

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 40

Servings: large patties

Author: Nico Pallotta

2 cans (15 ounces each) (480 grams) black beans or 3 cups cooked black beans
2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) olive oil
1 (1 onion) onion chopped
3 cloves (3 cloves) garlic pressed
1 or more (1 or more) jalapeños chopped
4 tablespoons (4 tablespoons) tomato paste
1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) cumin
1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) chipotle powder substitute 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + ¼ teaspoon chili powder
3 tablespoons (3 tablespoons) balsamic vinegar
1 large (1 large) egg
¾ cup (100 grams) feta cheese crumbled
½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) salt or more to taste + black pepper to taste
4 (4) burger buns + optional guacamole, chipotle sauce, quick pickled red onions, and Romaine lettuce.

BAKE THE BEANS: Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C).
Drain and rinse 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans.
Spread beans on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes
MAKE FLAVOR BASE: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet.
Sauté 1 onion (chopped) for 3 minutes.
Add: 3 cloves garlic (grated), 1 or more jalapeños (chopped), 4 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder.
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Sauté for 2 more minutes, stirring.
MAKE MIXTURE: Combine half the baked beans and the flavor base in a food processor.
Add 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 large egg, and ½ cup breadcrumbs.
Pulse briefly, avoiding over-blending.
Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl.
Stir in remaining beans and ¾ cup feta cheese (crumbled).
SHAPE PATTIES: Shape 4 to 6 patties with your hands or with a burger press.
Arrange the patties on a plate or baking tray.
PAN-FRY: Heat some olive oil on a cast-iron or non-stick skillet. Cook the patties on medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side until a thin, charred crust forms.
AIR-FRY: Brush the patties with olive oil on both sides. Air-fry at 400°F or 200°C for 12 – 15 minutes.
GRILL: Heat your grill to 400°F or 200°C. Grease the grill grates well. Also, brush the patties with oil. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes on the first side, turn gently, and grill for 3 to 5 more minutes.
OVEN-BAKE: Arrange patties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the with olive oil on both sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F or 200°C for 20 – 25 minutes.
MAKE BURGERS: Fix yourself a burger with sriracha mayo (mayo + sriracha sauce to taste) or chipotle sauce, Romaine lettuce, guacamole or avocado slices, quick pickled onions, or a slice of tomato.