The Simplest Bean Burgers

Serves: 4 to 6

Source: How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Serves: 4 to 6
Source: How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups well-cooked white, black, or red beans or 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 pepper
  • 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. Combine the beans, onion, oats, chili powder, salt, pepper, and egg in a food processor until chunky but not puréed, adding a little liquid if necessary (this is unlikely but not impossible) to produce a moist but not wet mixture. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes if time allows.
  2. With wet hands, shape in to whatever size patties you want and again let rest for a few minutes if time allows. Film the bottom of a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet with oil and turn the heat to medium. A minute later, add the patties. Cook until nicely browned on one side, about 5 minutes; turn carefully and cook on the other side until firm and browned.
  3. Serve with the usual burger fixings.

Alternatively, substitute the egg with 1/2 to 1 cup of cheese for extra taste.

Alternate Instructions to bake bean burgers:

  1. After combining all the ingredients in a food processor, drop large spoonfuls of bean mixture onto parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes.