Black Bean Veggie Burgers (Print Version)

Veggie-packed black bean burgers with quinoa—grill-friendly, hearty, and satisfying for a vegetarian main.

# Ingredients:

→ Patties

01 - 425 g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 90 g cooked quinoa
03 - 60 g finely diced red bell pepper
04 - 25 g finely chopped red onion
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 15 g chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
07 - 50 g breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if required)
08 - 1 large egg or 1 flax egg (for vegan option)
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 0.5 tsp chili powder
12 - 0.5 tsp salt
13 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

→ To Serve

15 - 4 burger buns (use gluten-free if required)
16 - Lettuce leaves
17 - Tomato slices
18 - Red onion slices
19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Burger sauce or mayonnaise

# Steps:

01 - Mash black beans in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
02 - Add cooked quinoa, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, fresh cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg or flax egg, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive mixture forms.
03 - Divide the mixture evenly into four. Form each portion into a patty approximately 2 cm thick.
04 - Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat and brush the surface with olive oil.
05 - Place patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until firm and well-browned. Handle carefully while flipping.
06 - Briefly toast the burger buns if desired.
07 - Place each patty on the bottom half of a bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and your preferred sauce. Cap with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - To make vegan burgers, substitute one flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed plus 2.5 tbsp water, rested for 5 minutes) for the egg.
02 - For a gluten-free meal, select gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
03 - For added depth of flavor, consider including a dash of hot sauce or a handful of grated cheese; omit cheese for dairy-free and vegan preferences.
04 - To bake instead of grilling, arrange patties on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
05 - Excellent with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp salad.