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Black Bean Veggie Burgers

May 12, 2020 · 29 Comments

I’m an unrepentant carnivore who just so happens to love a good bean burger every once and a while, and I have, since before they were trendy.

However, there is one caveat. I don’t understand bean burgers that are designed to taste like ‘meat.’ Why should beans taste like meat? What would think if we cut into a steak and it tasted like…beans? No, just no. This flies in the face of what makes ‘bean burgers’ unique and delicious. You can play with the flavors of a hardy bean burger in ways that simply wouldn’t work with ground beef. To my mind, bean burgers can embrace the beautiful mosaic of herb and veggie flavors in ways that would simply ‘dilute’ or ‘mask’ ground beef burgers, or turn those same ground beef burgers into mini-meatloaves.

No, I want my bean burgers to be packed full of things like fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, pignoli, shallots, or to feature a rainbow of multicolored peppers, and to be bursting with a collage of herbal seasonings that run the gamut from spicy to earthy and back again.

While ground beef burgers ‘are’ an artform unto themselves, and making the ‘perfect’ burger takes skill and practice – the same is true of a good bean burger, and to try to blur the line between the two is to blur what makes either item truly delicious and unique.

And that’s where the inspiration for today’s recipe comes in – hardy black bean burgers that are positively bursting with flavor, character, and complexity, and that are unapologetically ‘bean burgers.’

Ingredients Notes, Tips, and Substitutions

1) The Beans. Let’s get this one out of the way straight away. The truth is that pretty much any bean that ‘crushes up well’ can be turned into a burger. However, this trait isn’t as important as you might think, since even notoriously ‘tough,’ ‘flaky,’ or ‘resistant’ beans can be crushed into burgers – such as chickpeas (which actually make delicious burgers and patties – looking at you falafel). However, black beans are beloved as the ‘go-to’ bean for burgers for a couple of important reasons. The first is that they ‘look’ like ground beef after they’ve been crushed – and for some people this is important. I myself couldn’t care less if my ‘bean burger’ looked like ground beef…why would I expect it to? But I digress. The second reason is that they have a moist and tender interior, which is easily crushed and then molded into a burger of your desired shape and thickness. As a nice bonus, their interior is only ‘mildly’ flavorful, thereby allowing you two tweak the flavor of your bean burgers to your heart’s content. Note I said only ‘mildly’ flavorful, since the beans do carry a nice ‘meaty’ flavor of their own, giving you a pleasant starting point.

2) Shallots. Onions at a 1-to-1 ratio substitute fine for shallots. However, most types of onions tend to have a slightly harsher flavor and a fair bit more acidity than shallots, so be aware of this. Also, be sure to chop your onions very small, since you don’t want chunks of onion in the burgers, since the shallots tend to simply ‘disappear’ into the mixture.

3) Pine Nuts – What Are They? Is There a Substitute? Side note, I just realized I call these ‘pine nuts’ when I’m making things like black bean burgers, and I call them pignoli when I’m preparing pasta dishes. Oof. Regardless, pine nuts and pignoli nuts are the same thing – the seeds of pine trees. That said, pine nuts (or pignoli if you prefer) are valued for their small size, tender or even ‘buttery’ texture when cooked, and the large amount of oil that they contain – relative to their small size – which seeps out into the food they are being cooked in or with, thereby spreading their flavor more intensely and evenly than other nuts. As a result, a truly ‘good’ substitute is hard to find, since very few, if any, other nuts carry this precise combination of desirable traits. For today’s recipe, I would likely opt for chopped almonds. Other ‘decent-ish’ substitutes include chopped walnuts and hazelnuts. It really comes down to preference, in all honesty.

4) Coriander Substitution. Cilantro. Cilantro and Corriander actually come from the same plant – dubbed “Coriandrum sativum.” Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant, while ‘cilantro’ are the leaves. Fun fact: The entirety of the plant is edible and flavorful. Coriander root, for example, is popular in some areas. That said, dried cilantro substitutes just fine on a one-to-one basis for coriander. Equal parts cumin and parsley also make for a decent, if slightly ‘inexact,’ substitute.

Tips and Tricks

1) Mix Them Well. You want the black bean mixture to be thoroughly, completely, and uniformly combined. This is in contrast to mixing ground beef, where you want to work the meat mixture ‘only’ until your ingredients are incorporated, lest you end up with a rubbery burger, meatball, or meatloaf. That won’t happen here. Just the contrary. If your ingredients are ‘not’ thoroughly and uniformly blended, you will end up with burgers that won’t hold together through cooking.

2) No Animal Fat Means No Shrinkage. If you’ve ever prepared ground beef burgers or meatballs or meatloaf, you’re well aware that those items ‘shrink’ during cooking – and this is especially true when using thoroughly marbled meat. Leaner meat shrinks less – or barely at all if you’re using painfully lean meat. That doesn’t happen with veggie or bean burgers, since there simply isn’t any animal fat to dissolve or ‘melt’ during cooking. Instead, the burgers will remain roughly the same size during cooking, so form them to precisely the shape and size you want beforehand.

More Veggie Goodness

1) Sundried Tomato Falafel. A traditional falafel recipe blended together with sundried tomatoes, curry, and cumin. Paired with homemade flatbreads, these are great either as a light lunch or as a starters to a Mediterranean themed meal.

2) Crispy Fried Cauliflower Balls. One of my absolute favorite uses for cauliflower. Crisp, crunchy, flavorful, and moist, these are a real treat. If you’ve got some cauliflower that you aren’t sure what to do with, or are simply looking for a new use for cauliflower, these have got you covered.

Pairs Great With

1) Baked Steak Fries. Hardy, thick sliced steak fries topped with a cheesy sauce. Need I say more? This with today’s burger is one of my many definitions of ‘paradise.’

2) A Cold Beer. Much like a ‘regular’ burger, today’s black bean burger pairs best with a tall, cold beer, preferably a quality craft beer. Now, I know what you’re thinking, quality craft beers are hard to find, since they often operate in relative obscurity, and the ‘trial and error’ process of a finding a decent one can be daunting. However, what if you had access to an expertly curated list of the very best craft beers throughout country, and what if this list was available at a little or no cost? Well, that is exactly what my friends over at Tavour offer, a curated list of quality craft beers. You can also sign up for their monthly delivery service, where they will ship handpicked batches of craft beers right to your door. Seriously, give them a try, you won’t be disappointed. This message is intended for those 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.

Living the Gourmet

Yields 4

Black Bean Veggie Burgers

10 minPrep Time

15 minCook Time

25 minTotal Time

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5 based on 13 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 2 – 15 oz. cans of black beans – rinsed and drained
  • 2 cloves of garlic – grated
  • 1 small shallot – grated
  • 2 egg
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • Olive oil for drizzling the pan – about 2 tbs.
  • 1 pat of butter
  • Slices of your favorite cheese for melting
  • Your favorite bread or rolls
  • Pickles
  • Sliced tomato
  • Sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed and thoroughly drained beans in a bowl.
  2. Mash until mushy but not overly mushy, there still should be some whole bean pieces left.
  3. Add in the eggs, seasonings, grated garlic, grated shallot, pine nuts and bread crumbs.
  4. Mix until everything in well incorporated. Let the mixture sit while preheating a large cast iron frying pan on a medium low heat.
  5. Form the burgers to desired size. These burgers will not shrink, since there is no fat in them as in beef burgers. So, make the burgers the desired size you would like them.
  6. Add the olive oil and butter to the pan.
  7. Place the burgers in the pan and cook for about 4 - 5 minutes per side on a medium – low heat. These burgers were about one-inch thickness. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the burger.
  8. When you flip the burger place the cheese on top of the flipped side to let the cheese melt.
  9. Serve with your favorite condiments and bread or rolls.
7.8.1.2
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. angiesrecipes says

    13/05/2020 at 2:42 am

    They look seriously delicious! I should give it a try too.
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      13/05/2020 at 3:53 pm

      Thank you dear Angie. Sometimes I am just in the mood for a good veggie burger. xo Catherine
      Reply
  2. Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog says

    14/05/2020 at 9:28 pm

    We're ashamed to say we've never tried a bean burger before! Boy! They look tasty and you had my folks at 'a cold beer'. Going take this recipe and give it a go. Thanks
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:49 pm

      I do hope you enjoy these burgers if you give them a try. Have a beautiful weekend.
      Reply
  3. Jay Aguirre says

    15/05/2020 at 4:15 am

    I'm fond of meat as well but have been trying to cut back. I love black bean burgers so they've been a perfect alternative!
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:50 pm

      I love a good meat burger too!! I wanted something a bit different and so I came up with these. I hope you enjoy them if you give them a try. Have a great weekend.
      Reply
  4. Ave says

    15/05/2020 at 11:38 am

    I made bean burgers once and did not like them much, I guess the recipe was not a good one. I really like how you explain everything and I'm sure that using all your tips, these burgers will be mouthwatering. I have to give them a try soon.
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you Ave for your kind words and visiting. I hope that you enjoy them if you give them a try. Have a great weekend.
      Reply
  5. Melsisa Cushing says

    15/05/2020 at 1:31 pm

    I am loving this delicious recipe and cannot wait to try and make my own black bean veggie burgers! If the burgers are done right...they are absolutely delicious and so much netter for you which is why I am pinning this recipe to make this weekend :) Thank you for sharing!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:51 pm

      Dear Melissa, I hope that you enjoy them if you give them a try. Have a beautiful weekend.
      Reply
  6. Melissa Cushing says

    15/05/2020 at 1:33 pm

    I am loving this delicious recipe and cannot wait to try and make my own black bean veggie burgers! If the burgers are done right...they are absolutely delicious and so much netter for you which is why I am pinning this recipe to make this weekend :) Thank you for sharing and will be back for more recipes!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  7. MELANIE EDJOURIAN says

    15/05/2020 at 3:29 pm

    I ate them before they were trendy too. I don't see the point in making them taste like meat. I personally prefer the taste of well-made bean burgers. I need to try this recipe as I haven't made them at home much.
    Reply
  8. Talya Stone says

    15/05/2020 at 4:31 pm

    I am always looking for meat free alternatives for our meat free Mondays and have a can of black beans in the larder so no excuses not to make this!
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:52 pm

      I hope that you enjoy these burgers if you give them a try. Have a great weekend.
      Reply
  9. chad says

    15/05/2020 at 8:02 pm

    I can't believe this is a bean burger, LOOKS AMAZING!!! I can't wait to make this burger, I can't can't wait.
    Reply
  10. Melanie williams says

    16/05/2020 at 11:28 am

    I love this. It is always so much nicer to make your own than buy the shop ready done ones for sure xx
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:53 pm

      It is better to make your own, this way you control the quality and the flavor. Hope you enjoy these if you give them a try.
      Reply
  11. Yeah Lifestyle says

    16/05/2020 at 1:39 pm

    What a great way to eat more healthily especially since we are trying to cut meat out of our diet. I must give this recipe a try.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/05/2020 at 6:54 pm

      I still love meat, but like to enjoy a good veggie burger too. I hope that you enjoy these if you give them a try. Have a great weekend.
      Reply
  12. Laura Schwormstedt says

    18/05/2020 at 4:04 pm

    Ooh I love blackbean burgers, so delicious and good for you, this recipe looks super easy as well so going to give it a go. Thanks for sharing Laura x
    Reply
  13. Gloria says

    25/05/2020 at 5:28 pm

    Even as a meat lover, I would devour this burger. We do love black beans. They are a nutritious way to add a no-meat alternative in our diets.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  14. Paige says

    29/05/2020 at 11:07 pm

    I love a good veggie burger, and these look great! I'll give them a try..
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  15. Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says

    30/05/2020 at 7:15 am

    Veggie burgers are my "thing" since I don't eat meat burgers and this one looks amazing! Loving the use of black beans, and the addition of pine nuts which I've never thought about!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  16. EA at The Spicy RD says

    30/05/2020 at 4:09 pm

    These are amazing! I love the addition of pine nuts (I always have them in my freezer) and I 100% agree that bean burgers should taste like BEAN Burgers :-) Great recipe for carnivores and vegetarians alike!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  17. Denise says

    30/05/2020 at 10:56 pm

    What a delicious looking burger! This is a great addition to a Meatless Monday menu. I can't wait to try it.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  18. Leslie says

    30/05/2020 at 11:40 pm

    I love a good bean burger, especially ones with black beans like yours!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  19. Chandice Probst says

    31/05/2020 at 2:16 pm

    This is a great meatless main dish to serve my vegetarian friend thank you so much! Lots of flavor and easy to follow.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  20. Marisa F. Stewart says

    31/05/2020 at 7:31 pm

    I've been wanting a great recipe for a bean burger - a great meatless luncheon sandwich. I don't normally buy pignoli -- they are fairly steep in price but for this recipe I'd make an exception. This is definitely on the menu this week.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  21. Jo says

    01/06/2020 at 11:02 am

    One can never have too many burger recipes, be it vegetarian or meat burgers! This black bean veggie burger looks so delicious I don't think I can stop eating it. Looks so good!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

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