A few times a week we like to eat vegetarian meals but with these black bean burgers and almond cheese, you won’t miss the meat. Almond cheese is a cheese alternative and we use the cheddar flavor and it can be found in most health food stores. Almond cheese is healthy and a great alternative to dairy. Now don’t get me wrong, we love our dairy, especially cheese. Living in Vermont, which is a dairy state, it’s almost a given. Still, we like to change it up once in a while and eating a variety of foods is a good way to get all of your vitamins and nutrients. Here’s how I make them:
Start by chopping 3 scallions keeping the white and light green parts separate from the dark green parts. Sauté the white and light green parts of the scallions in 1 Tbl. of olive oil until crisp-tender and then set aside to cool slightly. In a medium sized bowl combine 1- 15 oz. can of drained and rinsed black beans, the cooled cooked scallions plus the dark green parts. Also, to the bowl add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 tsp. ketchup, 1 tsp. sea salt, and 1/8 tsp. chipotle pepper. Using a potato masher or fork, slightly mash the beans leaving some whole. Mix together well and form into 4 small burgers or 2 large burgers. Press the burgers firmly while forming to hold their shape. If you need more, just double the recipe.
Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Gently lay the burgers into the pan and cook until browned and then gently flip to the other side about 5 minutes per side. If using the almond cheese, slice 2 thin slices per burger and top the burgers on the second side. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve the black bean burgers with your favorite condiments and sides. I like to serve these burgers with sweet potato pancakes to make a complete vegetarian meal. The burgers can also be served on buns like traditional burgers. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 15-20 min. total
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Makes 4 small burgers or 2 large burgers
Ingredients:
1- 15 oz. can black beans drained and rinsed
3 scallions chopped white and light green parts separated from dark green parts.
3 Tbl. olive oil divided
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tsp. ketchup
1 tsp. sea salt
1/8 teaspoon chipotle pepper
Almond cheese slices (Almond cheese can be found in most health food stores).