Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

$- 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped The main ingredients give your burgers a hearty base. Quinoa adds protein and fiber. Black beans provide a rich, meaty texture. The spices and herbs bring depth and flavor. - 1 large egg or a flax egg for vegan option - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs These binding ingredients hold the patties together. The egg or flax egg helps form a good shape. Breadcrumbs give the burgers a nice texture and crunch. - Avocado slices - Lettuce and tomato - Favorite burger sauce Toppings let you customize your burger! Avocado adds creaminess. Fresh lettuce and tomato provide a crisp bite. Your favorite sauce can add zest and flavor. Enjoy mixing and matching! To start, you need to mash the black beans. Use a fork or potato masher. Aim for a mostly smooth mix but keep some chunks for texture. This adds a nice bite to your burger. Next, combine the mashed black beans with cooked quinoa. Also add breadcrumbs, red bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything well. It should be a thick, cohesive mixture. Finally, stir in your egg or flax egg. If the mix feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. Now, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Heat your non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add your patties. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and make sure they are heated through. This step gives the patties crispy edges, which is key for texture. Choose your favorite buns for the burgers. Whole grain buns work great. Place each cooked patty on a bun. Now, it’s time to add your toppings. I love using avocado slices, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. You can also add your favorite burger sauce for extra flavor. For a pop of color, sprinkle extra cilantro on top. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty black bean quinoa burgers! To get the best texture, mash the black beans well, but leave some chunks. This gives the patties a nice bite. Mix the ingredients well, but don’t overwork them. Too much mixing can make them tough. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. This helps hold everything together. Spices make a big difference. I recommend adding more cumin or smoked paprika if you like bold flavors. You can also mix in other veggies like corn or grated carrots for extra taste and nutrition. These add-ins make the patties more colorful and fun. You can cook the patties in different ways. Skillet cooking gives a nice crisp outside. Baking is easy and uses less oil, but may not be as crispy. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, but watch for sticking. Adjust the cooking time based on your method. For skillet cooking, aim for 5-7 minutes per side. If baking, check them after 15-20 minutes. Always ensure they are heated through before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily make these burgers vegan. Simply replace the egg with a flax egg. To create a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This substitute helps bind the burger without using eggs. If you need a gluten-free option, swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats for a different texture. This keeps the burger tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can play with flavors by adding different spices and herbs. Try adding chili powder for heat or oregano for an earthy taste. A dash of lime juice can add zest. You can also incorporate other beans, like kidney or pinto beans. Mixing in grains like brown rice or farro offers texture and nutrition. Each change can make your burgers unique and exciting! To store uncooked black bean quinoa patties, place them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to three months. If you plan to use them soon, refrigerate for up to two days. Make sure to separate each patty with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. For leftovers, place cooked burgers in a covered container. They stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can also use an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. These black bean quinoa burgers fit well into meal prep. Cook a batch and use them throughout the week. Pair them with sides like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. This gives you balanced meals that are easy to grab. You can also make burger bowls with quinoa and veggies for a fun twist. You can tell when your burgers are done by looking for a few signs. First, the patties should be golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes per side in a hot skillet. Next, check that they feel firm to the touch, not soft. Lastly, if you cut into one, the center should be heated through. If you see steam or feel warmth, they are ready to eat! Yes, you can make these burgers ahead of time. Start by mixing the ingredients and shaping the patties. You can refrigerate them for up to two days before cooking. If you want to store them longer, freeze the uncooked patties. Wrap each patty in plastic wrap or foil. You can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before cooking. Pair your black bean quinoa burgers with delicious side dishes for a balanced meal. Here are some great options: - Sweet potato fries - A fresh green salad - Grilled veggies - Quinoa salad - Coleslaw These sides add nutrition and flavor to your meal, making it even more enjoyable! Black bean quinoa burgers are tasty and easy to make. We covered the main ingredients and how to combine them for delicious patties. I shared tips for cooking methods and clever variations to try. These burgers fit any diet and are great for meal prep. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavors. With these steps, you will make tasty, healthy burgers that everyone loves!$

Discover a delicious and healthy way to enjoy plant-based eating with these Hearty Black Bean Quinoa Burgers! Packed with wholesome ingredients like black beans, quinoa, and fresh veggies, these burgers are both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for grilling or weeknight dinners, they're easy to make and full of flavor. Click through to explore the recipe and learn how to create these mouthwatering burgers that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)

Olive oil, for cooking

Optional toppings: avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, or your favorite burger sauce

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.

Add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, red bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Stir in the egg (or flax egg) until the mixture holds together well. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and heated through.

Remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels.

Assemble your burgers by placing each patty on a bun and adding your desired toppings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the burgers on whole grain buns with slices of ripe avocado, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. A sprinkle of extra cilantro on top adds a vibrant touch.