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Smoky Barbecue Black Bean Burgers

Delicious and nutritious burgers made with black beans and sweet potatoes, enhanced with smoky barbecue sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Burger Mixture
  • 1/2 cup brown rice, rinsed Use for a hearty base.
  • 1 cup water To cook the brown rice.
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced Cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
  • 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For roasting the sweet potatoes.
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted Chop finely before mixing.
  • 1 cup bread crumbs Preferably homemade.
  • 3 cups cooked black beans Use canned or home-cooked, rinsed and drained.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion Gives a sharp taste.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce For smokiness.
  • 2 tsp cumin For warmth.
  • 1 tsp chili powder For a gentle kick.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika For an extra layer of smokiness.
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce Adjust for spice level.
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt Plus more to taste.
For Serving
  • Tomato slices Freshness and juiciness.
  • Lettuce Adding crispness.
  • Pickles For tangy contrast.
  • Green Goddess Sauce Without parsley. Made with cilantro.
  • Buns, collard or lettuce leaves, or pitas For serving. Choose your wrap option.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover, cooking for 40-45 minutes until tender.
Roasting the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Place diced sweet potatoes on the lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes until golden and tender.
Toasting Walnuts and Mixing Ingredients
  1. Toast the walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned. Let cool, chop finely, and add to a large mixing bowl with breadcrumbs.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the black beans until broken but not pureed, then add to the walnut and breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Add roasted sweet potatoes, cooked brown rice, red onion, garlic, barbecue sauce, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, hot sauce, salt, and cilantro. Gently mash and stir until combined, adjusting salt as needed.
Forming and Baking the Burgers
  1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide mixture into 10 portions, shape each into a patty, and place on sheets.
  2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until crispy on the outside.
Serving
  1. Serve burgers on choice of buns, collard or lettuce leaves, or pitas. Top with tomato slices, lettuce, pickles, and Green Goddess Sauce.

Notes

Mix in favorite spices or adjust barbecue sauce quantity to taste. To add heat, consider diced jalapeños. Prepare patties ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.