Many people who have considered going vegetarian, get a little anxious when they think of sitting down to eat and not seeing a big steak or a burger with fries staring back at them. Visualization is a large part of eating, but pleasing one’s taste buds is equally important. The following recipes are recommended, not only for the devoted vegetarian, but for anyone who just desires something a little different – and gain some healthy living at the same time.
You will like this recipe for Black Bean Patties because it is easy to make as well as very tasty.
Preparation time: 10 minutes — Cooking time: 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
½ onion, diced
1 can black beans, well drained
½ cup flour
2 slices bread, crumbled
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp seasoned salt
salt and pepper to taste
oil for frying
Preparation: Sauté onions till soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mash beans until almost smooth, add sautéed onions and rest of ingredients, except oil, adding the flour a few tablespoons at a time to combine well.
Mixture will be thick.
Form bean mixture into patties, approximately ½ inch thick and fry patties in small amount of oil until slightly firm. Enjoy!
For those who might prefer a spicier burger, try this recipe for “Slightly Spicy” Black Bean Burgers (very good and cheap!)
Preparation time: 10 minutes — Cooking time: 10 minutes.
Ingredients (makes 4 burgers):
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup frozen corn
1-2 teaspoon chopped garlic (bottled is fine)
½ cup chopped onion
¼ teaspoon cumin
1 (6 ounce) can green chili sauce
2 tablespoons salsa (mild, or as you like it)
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
½ cup flour
½ cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions: Place beans in large bowl and sit aside.
Heat oil in a large frying pan, add onion, garlic, corn and cumin.
Sauté about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
Add the green chili sauce and sauté another minute or two.
Place in bowl with beans, let cool and mash with stick blender.
Add salsa, chili powder, flour and breadcrumbs.
Stir to blend ingredients with a rubber spatula.
Form into 4 patties and place on wax paper. Can be stored in Tupperware until ready to cook.
To cook, spray on one side and sauté on medium heat until browned, repeat on other side.
The cooked burgers can be served on toasted burger buns with pepperjack cheese, mayo, lettuce and tomato, or with any other dressings you desire.
More options:
If you prefer more beans, you could use two cans of beans in place of one.
For those who are not fond of onions, you might use some Jalapeño peppers, instead.
[Note: Canned corn can be used in place of frozen.]


