Deliciously Versatile Bean Burgers / Veggie Burger

C. Taylor's Note:

This is a delicious and easy way to get more beans into your diet. This is an extremely versatile recipe, and you can easily change the taste by simply changing the seasonings. The recipe below is just a guideline for your own creativity, and I tend to adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand. This is extremely healthy and the low cost can't be beat. Serve plain, in a tortilla, pita, or bun, topped with the sauce (below) tomato, onion, lettuce, etc.

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 6.0 patties

• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans (drain liquid) or 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (drain liquid)
• 1 egg
• 1 onion
• approximately 1/2 cupbreadcrumbs, crushed crackers or flour
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin (optional)
• nonstick cooking spray

Seasonings (feel free to mix and match)

• curry powder
• garam masala
• smoked paprika
• minced chipotle pepper
• cayenne
• oregano
• cajun seasoning
• cheese

Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 -3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon mince garlic
• 1 chipotle pepper , minced (optional)

Directions:

1. For the patties, chop in a food processor (can be done in a mini processor if doing it in small batches) beans, onion, garlic, and chosen seasonings until beans are coarsely chopped. Stir in egg and enough breadcrumbs or flour to make the mixture workable.
2. In a nonstick pan, spray with non stick spray or add a little oil. Take mixture and form into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick. Brown on each side over med - med high heat, taking care when flipping (can be delicate).
3. In a small bowl, mix ingredients for sauce.
4. Serve patty drizzled with sauce, in a tortilla, pita, bun or plain. Feel free to top with tomato, onion, lettuce, etc.