Vegan Spicy Black Bean Burger
This vegan black bean burger is the perfect meal of a warm summer night. It’s packed with flavour, has a kick of heat, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Affordable, easy, and tasty - the three essential ingredients for any burger.
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Introduction
Throughout my fairly short career as a vegan cook, I’ve long searched for a burger that
Comes together quickly
Stays together well
Satisfies that burger craving (you know the one)
This black bean burger checks all the boxes, and then some. Not to mention. it’s super affordable, too. With a kick of cayenne, a pinch of paprika, and some chopped up jalapenos, this burger brings some heat. But don’t worry if you’re not a huge spice fan - simply dial back the cayenne or the jalapenos, and you’re sorted.
The secret to this burger is the chili powder. It makes this burger taste less like beans and vegetables, and more like a proper one (just way, way healthier).
At the beginning of this week, I set myself the task of forming a burger that stayed together. The arch enemy of all plant-based eaters is the sandwich that won’t stay together. You look down and realise you may as well have brought a fork and knife because your burger is 30% between the buns, and 70% on your plate.
Well - no more of that. Follow the techniques below, and dig in.
Check out the Spruce it Up section for easy ways to take this recipe to the next level, and don’’t forget to pair it with these delicious Baked Sweet Potato Fries that make the perfect combo.
Eat wonderfully.
Before we Get Started
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3-4 Burgers
Ingredients
1/2 Red Onion
2 cloves Garlic
1 tin Black Beans
1 medium Carrot
1/2 Jalapeno
More or less, to your liking
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tbsp. Cumin
1 pinch Cayenne Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
Regular paprika works well, too
1 tsp. Lime Juice
Parsley (optional)
Method
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preheat a pan over medium high heat with a splash of oil. Finely dice your red onion and garlic, and add them to the pan. Stir routinely until translucent.
Finely dice your jalapeno.
Drain and rinse your black beans, and pour into a bowl. Add your cooked garlic and onion, as well as all of your jalapeno, spices and breadcrumbs. Grate your carrot into the mixture. Throw in a three-finger pinch of salt, and a splash of lime juice.
Mix thoroughly. Then, using a fork or potato masher, mash the beans incredibly well. The more you mash them, the more they’ll stick together.
It might be tedious at first, but once the first few start to mash, the rest follow suit quickly.
Take some of the mix in your hands, and work it until you feel the mix getting denser. Continue working it until you’re happy with it, and think it will stick together in the pan. Form into a patty.
The thicker you make your patty, the more likely it is to make a mess, so try to aim for about a half inch thick.
If you can pick it up from your cutting board with a spatula and don’t have any problems - you’re set.
Add some oil to your pan, allow it to heat up. Place your burgers into the pan, and sear on both sides for approximately 2 minutes, or until the form deep, golden brown crust.
Place your burgers into the oven for 10 minutes.
After ten minutes, take your burgers out and place on a burger bun with your favourite toppings.
Enjoy.
Spruce it Up
Pair with the Baked Sweet Potatoes for a knockout combo.
Add tomatoes, kale, avocado, or your favourite toppings.
Toast the buns while the burgers are in the oven by placing them in a hot pan with a touch of oil.
Keep a close eye on them though as they can go from golden brown to burnt in a matter of seconds.
Add some Pickled Red Onions on top.
Finish each bun with your favourite sauce.