Black Bean Burgers with Oven Fries

Black Bean Burgers with Oven Fries

Being that it was the Fourth of July, I decided to make a vegetarian version of the class American favorite. Since Jeff doesn't like egg and most of the recipes I initially found required egg as a binder, I had to do quite a bit of research. I finally combined a few recipes I found online (plus added a few things) to come up with this super delicious black bean burger!

Ingredients

• 1/4 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 zucchini
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chile powder
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 - 2 tsp olive oil for sauteing
  

Directions

• Chop the onion, carrot, zucchini and jalapeno pepper in food processor
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet
• Saute the vegetables until softened
• Add the black beans, spices, water, and salsa
• Simmer until most of the water is absorbed
• Add rice
• Remove pan from heat and lightly mash beans with a fork
• Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the rolled oats
• Allow to cool
• Form 6 patties and refrigerate 1 hour to firm
• Cook patties in large skillet sprayed with Pam, about 4 minutes each side

While the patties are refrigerating, you can make the oven fries

Ingredients

• 3 russet potatoes
• Cajun seasoning
• Pam

Directions

• Cut potatoes into french fry shaped pieces
• Spray with Pam
• Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning
• Mix with fingers
• Bake at 450 for about 25 minutes