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I feel kind of bad for black bean burgers. They’re typically thought of as the vegetarian substitute for a beef burger, or what many would call a “real burger.” To me, that’s just not right! As a meat eater, I do think beef burgers are quite glorious, but I think the same of black bean burgers. They’re delicious in their own right, and I get cravings for each.

I actually think that this whole substitutions thing is the crux of the problem. Take spaghetti squash for instance. People go into it thinking it’s a substitute for spaghetti, and then they’re disappointed (and of course they are)! I LOVE spaghetti squash, but I don’t think of it as a spaghetti substitute. I just think of it as a delicious vegetable side, and on that note, if you love spaghetti squash, try this Spaghetti Squash with Rosemary Olive Oil and Parmesan. Nom. I can’t wait for fall.

So my friends, today I ask that you appreciate these black bean burgers as their own thing. As another delicious way to enjoy black beans, which are definitely one of my favorite ingredients!

To get started, rinse two cans of black beans, then mash them up well with a fork:

Add bread crumbs, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and an egg:

Mix and form into four patties. Griddle them for 5 minutes on each side:

You can cook them in a skillet on the stove if you don’t have a griddler (this is the one I use), but I love that it’s a big flat surface that I can toast the buns on too!

You want the burgers to be golden on both sides:

Add a slice of monterey jack cheese and layer it on a potato bun with all the fixings! For me it’s mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato.

Here’s the inside shot:

And, a full video if you want to see the full visual on how it’s done, start to finish:

Enjoy!

Black Bean Burgers

Yield: 4 full burgers

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:10 minutes

Total Time:20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 15oz cans black beans
• 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 egg
• 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
• butter, for grilling
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• mayonnaise
• tomato slices
• lettuce

Directions:

1. Place the black beans on a flat surface and mash them well with a fork. Place in a bowl and add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and egg. Mix together well. Form this mixture into four patties, then grill them on a griddle or in a skillet over medium high heat for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
2. Prepare the burgers as desired, with mayonnaise spread on the buns, and with lettuce, tomato, and melted cheese. Enjoy!

All images and text ©Fifteen Spatulas.