Burgers are a staple food during the summer. They are likely to show up at most picnics and gatherings, but what if you don’t eat meat? No need to worry, these Bean Burgers are a perfect substitute!

I prefer to make my own veggie burgers rather than buying them because of the consistency of the burgers. The frozen burgers are flat and boring, but when you make them by hand, they come out thick and flavorful.

Ingredients

Burgers

• 1/2 small yellow onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 c (2 cans) black beans
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• Pepper
• 2/3 c bread crumbs (more if necessary)
• 3/4 c corn

Toppings

• 4-6 buns
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Cheese
• Sauce/Condiments

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium pan. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté till fragrant, 8-10 minute.
2. Drain and rinse both cans of black beans.
3. Add in 2 cups of beans, cumin, cayenne, chili powder, salt and pepper to taste. Stir in pan until all is warm, about 3 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. In a medium bowl, place bread crumbs and warm bean mixture. Mash together with a potato masher until well combined.
6. Add in the last cup of bean and the corn. Mix with your hands.
7. Form into 4-6 patties.
   • The patties are typically 1/2in to 1in thick.
8. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes, flipping after 15.
   • If you are adding cheese, I typically add it during the last 3 minutes of baking so it has enough time to melt.
9. Top with whatever you’d like and serve.

These could also be refrigerated for 20-30 minutes and then cooked on a grill, though I prefer the method written above.

Test Kitchen: Opinion and Changes

I originally went looking for a new bean burger recipe because the one I was using was for pan fried bean burgers, and they would always crumble in the pan. This recipe is from Food52 and I did not make any real changes to the recipe. I would say though that you should/could change the amount of spices based on your taste because how they are now, there is not much of a spicy kick, if that’s what you’re looking for.

These burgers are great for any picnic or occasion. They are easy enough that you could make them ahead of time and cook them at the party. As with your typical burger, these can be served with French fries, curly fries or whatever type of fries you enjoy! If you aren’t a fry type of person, then enjoy it with whatever side you’d like. Either way, these burgers are sure to please whoever tries them.

What is your favorite topping to put on a burger? Let us know below!

Happy Baking!