Best Black Bean Burger. Vegan

Best Black Bean Burger

A vegan burger loaded with protein and flavor and so easy to make.
Ingredients
3 cups black beans, cooked, drained and rinsed
⅓ cup medium yellow onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 canned chipotle peppers
in adobo sauce, diced
2 Tbsp adobo sauce
1 Tbsp tamari
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Hamburger buns, for serving
Desired fixings, for serving

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, vinegar, cumin, salt and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until the mixture holds together but still has some visible chunks of black beans. Add the egg and use a spatula to fold until combined. Fold in the panko.

Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 patties. The mixture should be cohesive and a little wet. If it’s too wet to handle, refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up or mash the beans a bit more.

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Brush with a little oil and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides, turning the heat down as necessary. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to 400 F. Lightly brush the patties with olive oil, prepare the grill with cooking spray and grill for 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side. Serve with hamburger buns and desired fixings. Makes 6 servings.

Tip   For a vegan version, instead of the egg use 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ Tbsp warm water that has been set aside and thickened for 5 minutes. Increase burger cooking time by 2 minutes, if grilling.