QUINOA AND BLACK BEAN BURGERS

 WITH SMOKY AVOCADO SPREAD

If you or anyone in your family is a meatless burger fan, you will love these. The black bean and quinoa burger falls in a totally different category then veggie burgers because it is not made of veggies.  It has the same amount of protein as a meat burger, but it has no meat. It's unique, satisfying, and it's not trying to be something it is not!  These freeze beautifully and you will never eat another grocery store version. Serve on a whole grain bun with sprouts

 

1 tbsp                    vegetable oil

1                           onion, diced

1                           clove garlic, minced

1                           can (19 oz/540 mL) black beans, drained and rinsed

3 cups                    fine breadcrumbs

2 cups                    cooked quinoa

2 cups                    grated carrots

1 cup                     sunflower seeds, roasted and chopped

½ cup                    almonds, roasted and chopped

5                           eggs

½ cup                    soy sauce

2 tbsp                    sesame oil

¼ cup                    chopped parsley or cilantro

1 ½ tbsp                chili powder

1 tbsp                    ground cumin

1 tsp                      oregano

Flour for dredging

2 tbsp                    vegetable oil

Smoky Avocado Spread:

3                           ripe avocados

2                           plum tomatoes, seeds removed and diced

½ tsp                              smoked paprika

¼ tsp                              dried red chilies (optional)

                             Salt and freshly ground black pepper

12                         whole grain burger buns

 

Method…

1.    In a large skillet over heat oil over medium-high heat.   Saute onion for 2 to 3 minutes or until translucent.  Add garlic and sauté 1 minute longer until fragrant.  Place in a large bowl and allow to cool.

2.    Add black beans, breadcrumbs, quinoa, carrots, sunflower seeds, almonds, eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, parsley, chili powder, cumin and oregano.  Mix well and shape into patties.

3.    Dredge lightly in flour on both sides. 

4.    Heat vegetable oil in non-stick skillet.  Add burgers in batches (be careful not to crowd the pan) and brown on both sides about 5 to 7 minutes or until golden.  You may need to add more oil to the pan when you add the rest of the burgers.

5.    Avocado spread: In a bowl, mash the avocado until it is smooth. Add tomatoes, smoked paprika and red pepper (if using).  Stir to combine.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6.    Spread avocado mixture on one side of burger bun.  Place burger patty on other side of bun.  Top with sprouts.

Makes 12 burgers.