Elevated Black Bean Burgers

Transform your dining experience with this versatile, incredibly tasty burger. Loaded with plant-based protein, it's a fantastic way to add both nutrition and flavor to your chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
• 5 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp creamy almond butter
• 1 ½ tsp gluten-free vegan Worcestershire sauce
• <strong>Optional Additions</strong>
• Gluten free burger buns or lettuce wraps
• Heirloom tomato
• Pickle
• Lettuce
• Avocado
• Vegan Chipotle Mayo

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal and water. Mix well and set aside for about 10 minutes to thicken. This mixture will thicken and act as a binder for the burgers.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the finely diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Set aside to cool.
5. In a large bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or a potato masher until most of the beans are mashed and some whole beans remain.
6. In a blender or food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. You don't want it to become too fine like flour. Add this to the bean mixture.
7. Add the spices, and the cooled sautéed red onion, bell pepper and garlic to the bean mixture.
8. Add in the prepared flax egg, almond butter, and the gluten-free vegan Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more rolled oats. If it's too dry, add a splash of water or more Worcestershire sauce.
9. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the burgers are golden and firm.
11. Serve on your favorite buns, or lettuce wraps with toppings you enjoy. We like fresh heirloom tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and some vegan chipotle mayo.