Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Don't eat meat? Here's your burger. Black beans, brown rice and quinoa come together to create this delicious veggie burger. Chipotle chili's add a deep smoky flavor while fresh guacamole brings a cool refreshing zing. Yum.

While I myself am no vegetarian, I do appreciate meatless food once in a while. I have to admit, for a burger that contains no meat, these are some mighty meaty burgers. In fact, don't be surprised if people don't even realize these are vegetarian. Depending on your "level" of vegetarianism.. you may or may not want to omit the egg and Worchestire sauce (most brands contain anchovies) in this recipe.

For you meatatarians out there, you should still give these a try. You might be suprised how tasty they are. Being made from beans and whole grains rather than red meat, they are also significantly healthier.

As far as the ingredients go, there's nothing too wild in here. I used a baked brown rice and quinoa in this dish, which I will provide the recipe for below (coming soon). Use your discretion with the chipotles as they can pack quite a punch. I used 1 freakishly huge chipotle and probably could have used a second.

Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Serves 4

Calories: 220 per patty, 450 per assembled burger

Ingredients:

1 x 20oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared brown rice (recipe coming soon)

1/2 small onion, finely minced

1-2 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, de-seeded and minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 egg

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp cumin

salt and black pepper to taste

4 whole wheat buns

Directions:

1. In a large bowl using a potato masher, mash the beans until they are smooth. In a separate bowl combine the egg and bread crumbs. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.
2. Combine the beans, egg mixture and all remaining ingredients minus the olive oil. Mix thoroughly and form into 4 large patties.
3. Pre-heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Fry the burgers in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 6 minutes per side.
4. Toast the buns under a hot broiler and assemble burgers with desired toppings (guacamole, red onion, tomato, lettuce, etc)

Simple Guacamole:

1 ripe avocado, stone removed

1/2 small lime juiced

1/8th tsp cayenne pepper

1 small tomato, diced

a pinch of salt and black pepper

Directions:

1. Mash all ingredients minus the tomatoes in a small bowl until desired consistency. Gently fold in the tomatoes and serve.