Black Bean Burger

Veggie inspired burgers are an easy and good way to get protein; and believe it or not they are just as easy to make at home and keep in the freezer for a quick dinner served with steamed vegetables or hand cut fries. The following recipe uses black beans and is gluten free with finely ground cashews in place of flour or oats. I topped this burger with fresh spinach, Roma tomatoes, a slice of fontina cheese, and spicy mustard; yum!

Recipe:

2 cups cooked black beans (you could also used canned black beans)
1/3 c finely ground cashews (almost flour like in texture
1 egg and 1 egg white
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cilantro
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup mixed shallots, garlic, and onion
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine 3/4 beans, cashews, egg, egg white, shallot mixture, and seasonings to food processor and process until evenly combined.
2. Add in remaining black beans and pulse until just combined.
3. Heat large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil.
4. Form mixture into patties and cook about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before freezing.

* if mixture is too crumbly add water
* to cook once frozen: put on lined baking sheet and bake on 350 for approximately 8-10 minutes or until cooked through