Black Bean and Quinoa Burger

Prior to my going vegan/plant-based diet we would have burger night almost religiously once a week. Well last week I decided to play along and make my own veggie form so I didn’t feel left out. I decided to make these black bean and quinoa burgers/cakes and you better believe nobody finished their burgers because they all had one of MINE!!! Muah ha ha ha – I win. I couldn’t believe how great these turned out and how easy-peasey they were to whip up! All the ingredients are always stocked in my kitchen so there is no doubt that I will be making this very often from now on. The best part about this recipe is you can add whatever you want in it to change it up. Ideas I have for the future are corn, bell pepper, spinach, and mushrooms. (Recipe from Katy at the Singing Runner)

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans
• 1 c. cooked tri-color quinoa (~1/2 c. dry)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 c. chopped green pepper (not pictured)
• 1 T tomato paste
• 1/2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1.5 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (or seasonings of your choice)
• 1/2 T Nutritional Yeast
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 c. Panco crumbs
• 1 teaspoon of veggie broth

Directions:

1) In a medium sauce pan, cook quinoa for 15 minutes.

2) While quinoa is cooking, rinse and drain beans with water. Then, in a medium bowl, mash up the beans until it reaches a uniform consistency.

3) Mince garlic and chop peppers. Then add garlic, peppers, tomato paste, lemon juice, Old Bay, black pepper, and nutritional yeast to beans. Mix until well combined.

4) On a plate, combine bread crumbs, veggie broth, and Old Bay.

5) Form small 2-inch patties, roll it in bread crumbs and set aside.

6) In a large skillet, cook patties 5 minutes on each side, or until patty reaches a golden brown color. I had steamed kale, veggies and a tomato and avocado salad – one delicioso meal!