The Simplest Bean Burgers

The Simplest Bean Burgers are a versatile and delicious vegetarian option, perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy meatless meal. Made with cooked white, black, red beans, chickpeas, or lentils, these patties are not only flavorful but also highly customizable. Whether you prefer a golden brown chickpea patty or a dark black bean patty, the options are endless. With the addition of a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can have these tasty bean burgers ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy them on buns with classic burger fixings or serve them with your favorite side dishes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

MAKES: 4 to 6 servings

TIME: 20 minutes with cooked beans

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups well-cooked white, black, or red beans, chickpeas, or lentils, or one 14-ounce can, drained
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (preferably not instant)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder or spice mix of your choice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• Bean-cooking liquid, stock, or other liquid (wine, cream, milk, water, ketchup, etc.) if necessary
• Extra virgin olive oil or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn, as needed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a food processor, combine the cooked beans, quartered onion, rolled oats, chili powder or spice mix, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the egg. Pulse the mixture until it becomes chunky but not completely puréed. If needed, add a little liquid to produce a moist but not wet mixture. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes if time allows.
2. With wet hands, shape the mixture into patties of your desired size and let them rest for a few more minutes if possible. At this point, you can cover the patties or the entire mixture tightly and refrigerate for a day or so, then bring everything back to room temperature before cooking.
3. In a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, film the bottom with olive oil or a neutral oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the bean patties to the skillet. Cook until the patties are nicely browned on one side, approximately 5 minutes. Carefully turn the patties and cook on the other side until firm and browned, another 5 minutes.

VARIATIONS:

• Bean-and-Cheese Burgers: Add 1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan, cheddar, Swiss, Jack, mozzarella, or any other cheese of your choice to the patty mixture. You may omit the egg if desired.
• Bean-and-Spinach Burgers: Add about 1 cup cooked and chopped spinach to the patty mixture. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the cooked spinach before adding it to the mix.
• Bean-and-Veggie Burgers: Incorporate up to 1/2 cup of chopped carrots, bell peppers, shallots, leeks, celery, potato, sweet potato, winter squash, zucchini, or any other vegetable of your choice to the patty mixture. Be mindful not to overdo the vegetables, as it may cause the burger to fall apart.

USES:

• Serve The Simplest Bean Burgers on buns with classic burger toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and condiments.
• Enjoy the bean burgers with a side of salad or coleslaw for a refreshing and wholesome meal.
• Make a bean burger bowl by placing the patties on a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, or brown rice, and top with avocado slices and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.

The Simplest Bean Burgers are an easy and versatile vegetarian option that can be customized to suit your preferences. With a variety of beans to choose from, along with different seasoning options and additional vegetables or cheeses, these bean burgers offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meat-based burgers. Whether you enjoy them on buns with classic burger fixings or serve them in a bowl with your favorite accompaniments, these patties are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Make a batch of these quick and flavorful bean burgers for a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.