Black Bean Burgers

Black beans are mixed with breadcrumbs and spiced with chili powder to create one delicious patty. Avocado adds a refreshing creamy topping to this hearty bean burger.

This recipe comes to us from Mike of Tualatin, Oregon.

Serves 4

• 1 14 ounce can black beans, drained
• 1/3 of a 15 ounce can of refried beans
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 avocado, sliced
• a little vegetable oil, to coat the pan if pan frying*
• your favorite burger condiments*
• 4 hamburger buns or rolls of choice

*optional

In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, refried beans, bread crumbs, egg and chili powder.

Divide the mixture into four parts. Make 4 equal sized patties with your hands and place the patties on wax paper. Place another piece of wax paper on top of the patties and press down slightly. Refrigerate for at least several hours or overnight or place in a freezer for about an hour to allow the burgers to take shape.

If grilling, place a piece of tin foil on the grill and over high heat. Cook on the grill burgers for about 8 minutes per side.

If pan frying, coat a large skillet with a light layer of vegetable oil and place over medium-high heat. Fry black bean patties about 3 minutes per side, or until a crunchy crust forms.

Serve on hamburger buns topped with avocado slices and whatever other burger condiments you like.