Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

INGREDIENTS

• 1 14oz Can Black Beans

• 1 1/2 cups Cooked Quinoa (see note)

• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

• 2 Cloves Garlic, chopped

• 1 Egg

• 1/2 Cup Quick Cook Oats (see note)

• 3 Tablespoons Cilantro Leaves, finely chopped

• 1/4 Tablespoon Fresh Ground Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

• Drain and rinse beans. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher, dough cutter, or with the back of a sturdy spoon. (You want about half the beans to be in pieces and half the beans to be smooth and creamy.)

• Add quinoa, tomato paste, garlic, egg, oats, chopped cilantro, black pepper and any other salt-free seasoning of your choice. Stir everything together to combine.

• Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Use your hands to form 4 burger patties that are about 1/2-inch thickness. (If you aren’t cooking the burger patties right away, see the instructions below to freeze.)

• Sear the burger patties over direct heat on a grill or heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet and sear on both sides. The patties are done when they are golden brown on the outside and hot all the way through to the center.

• Serve with any of your favorite burger toppings.

Notes

Cooked Quinoa - Any type of quinoa works great here. Just follow the instructions on the package to cook the quinoa. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of cooked quinoa to make the burger patties (which is made from ¾ cups dry quinoa).  Quick Cook Oats - Be sure to get Quick Cook Oats for the right texture in these burgers. Do not use Rolled Oats or Instant Oats.  Freeze these burger patties - To freeze the burger patties, line a sheet pan with parchment or wax paper. Place the formed (but uncooked) burger patties on the sheet pan and freeze until solid, 4 to 5 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Print the label below and attach it to the bag so that reheating instructions are right at your fingertips.