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spot on the roster

May 14 2010 by Kristin at The Kitchen Sink in Uncategorized » 28 comments

Between last weekend in New Orleans [wonderful food (soft shell crabs, shrimp and grits, a beignet, a strawberry shortcake that tasted like childhood); a good amount of sparkling wine; a piping hot cup of chicory coffee; strolls through the French Quarter; and (it being a bachelorette party and all) dueling pianos and karaoke] and this weekend, which will be spent in Boston [my sister-in-law's graduation, which provides a lovely excuse for the whole family to converge in the northeast], May has shifted into overdrive and I’m just (barely) hanging on for the ride—and loving every minute of it.

At the rate May continues to whisk by, Memorial Day will be here before we know it. And that, friends, means it’s time to get serious about burgers.

Until recently, I had only two burgers firmly in my repertoire: a chipotle pepper-flecked turkey burger and a classic grassfed patty, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. When I was home for Easter, we staged a barbecue, deciding that there would be burgers, baked beans and sweet potato fries. As we set the plan in motion, my sister threw a wrench into the plan. “How about a veggie burger? Or, like, a black bean burger?”

Not one to back down from a challenge, I set out to find a meatless recipe that would stand up to the turkey and beef versions I love so dearly. I’m happy to announce that we found it. It’s a black bean burger that hums with spice, cilantro and a hint of lime. Atop a brioche bun stacked with greens and sliced avocado and spread with a firey salsa, this burger has officially earned a spot on the roster this burger season.

Just to be sure, we gave it a final audition this week, when my sister was visisting Chicago, and it got the final seal of approval. So, as we head out to Boston and continue our whirlwind-blown May, I’ll rest assured that at the end of it all, there will be a restful three-day Memorial Day weekend—and burgers. Three kinds of them.

Black-Bean Burgers
Adapted from Gourmet

Yield: 4 burgers

2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained, divided
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
generous pinch of salt
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 lime
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 soft hamburger buns

Accompaniments: sliced avocado, romaine, salsa, sliced sharp cheddar

Pulse 1 can beans in a food processor with yogurt, bread crumbs, cumin, oregano, cayenne, paprika and salt until a coarse purée forms. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro and remaining can beans. Add as much juice from the lime as needed to create a mixture that holds together well (you likely won’t need the entire lime; slice the leftover lime into wedges and serve with the burgers). Form mixture into 4 patties.

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (alternatively, heat a grill pan and brush it with the oil). Cook burgers until outsides are crisp and lightly browned, turning once, about 5 minutes total. Serve on buns, along with the accompaniments.

28 comments so far. »
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Shannalee says on May 14 2010 at 10:31 am:

Would you believe I’ve never had a black bean burger? Not once. You have convinced me it’s time to do something about this. I think I will.
Jessica @ How Sweet says on May 14 2010 at 11:13 am:

Did you also make the buns yourself? They look perfect!
heather @ chiknpastry says on May 14 2010 at 11:32 am:

i will definitely try this. i’ve made 2 different black bean burgers and both were mushy, but still had good flavor.

i’m vegetarian this month (this month ONLY!!!) and i’m winning the battle so far, but without burgers it’s hard. i will say i had the BEST veggie burger for lunch today from M burger – nothing but a big beefsteak tomato slice with avocado spread and cheese – a.mazing!
Martha says on May 14 2010 at 11:58 am:

Welcome to my city! I love your blog, I have used so many recipes already, each one never fails. If you find yourself eating out during the weekend, try my favorite, Post390. It’s right in Copley Square. Simply delicious food.
sarah @ syrupandhoney says on May 14 2010 at 12:56 pm:

I’ve never made black bean burgers – will definitely give this recipe a shot. I’m with Jessica – those buns look like buttery, crispy deliciousness…what’s the story on those?
Maddie says on May 14 2010 at 5:49 pm:

From your first photo, I never would’ve guessed this burger wasn’t beef—it looked thick and hearty and not at all like the paltry burger substitutes I’ve sampled before. Given that it’s a Gourmet recipe, and it has your seal of approval (which has never steered me wrong), I think you’ve convinced me to fire up my griddle!
My version of a brick « Sip, clip, and go! says on May 14 2010 at 6:50 pm:

[...] I needed something for dinner. I wanted to try something new, so the hunt was on. I found this recipe, then it was off to the grocery store. I took the Diamondback, and yes, the Garmin. No, I [...]
diane says on May 14 2010 at 7:01 pm:

You know how we feel about burgers,and this does look like it could make the team.We ,I mean I can’t wait to try this burger.It looks so delicious.Love,MOM
Allison of "a for aubergine" says on May 14 2010 at 8:00 pm:

you read my mind! i’ve been thinking about making black bean burgers. these look fab!
kickpleat says on May 15 2010 at 2:58 pm:

Thank you for giving me the perfect meal to make with friends tonight! I’ve made veggie burgers before but never tried a black bean burger. I’ve got avocados on the sill getting ready to be turned into guacamole. I can’t wait! Thanks!
noblejoanie says on May 16 2010 at 8:54 am:

Trader Joe’s carries delicious brioche rolls that go well with pulled pork or burgers, but they run to the sweet side.
Sylwia says on May 17 2010 at 11:23 am:

Thanks for having vegan-friendly recipes too!! I can’t wait to try this out.
Barbara says on May 17 2010 at 12:11 pm:

Believe it or not, I’ve made a black bean burger and loved it! and you served it with sweet potato fries…my favorite!
And I do like the brioche bun…such a pretty presentation.
The Rowdy Chowgirl says on May 17 2010 at 1:46 pm:

I’ve made homemade soybean burgers, and garbanzo bean burgers, but never black bean! It seems like a major oversight that must be corrected soon.
Meatless Monday Recipe! | Iowa Girl Eats says on May 17 2010 at 4:48 pm:

[...] I actually had bean burgers on the menu this week, but didn’t know which recipe I was going to use. Imagine my delight when I opened Kristin’s site today and spied a super-easy, and yummy looking recipe for just that – Bean Burgers! [...]
Deanne Fee says on May 18 2010 at 7:54 am:

My 20 yr old daughter is a vegetarian, and I’m always looking for a good veggie or black bean burger recipe. This one sounds amazing. She’s home from college for the summer now, so I can’t wait to make them for her and get her opinion.
Aysegul - nysdelight says on May 19 2010 at 7:29 am:

This looks amazing – a great idea too.
Becky at MyKidsMake says on May 19 2010 at 1:53 pm:

yum! sounds great.
Menu for the Week: Black Bean Burgers, Pork Scallopini and More | Rational Ovens says on May 20 2010 at 3:48 pm:

[...] of the blue tonight I added these black bean burgers. A great pantry meal as I just served them on sliced toasted bread rather than buns so I’ll [...]
my weekly eats « One Day at a Time says on May 28 2010 at 9:42 am:

[...] black bean/chick pea burgers with tomato, avo, and onion (no bun) [...]
sara says on June 01 2010 at 2:14 pm:

ooo i am always looking for a good looking black bean burger! and the buns look fantastic! hard to find a nice fresh bun around me, Im jealous.
All About Abs « Sweet Cheeks says on June 06 2010 at 8:51 am:

[...] pretty amazing Bean Burgers were made, [...]
Happenings » Blog Archive » Black-Bean Burgers says on June 10 2010 at 8:00 am:

[...] Yum – these were good, easy to pull together, and on the roster again and again this summer (though admittedly, I think they may work better in a grill pan than on an actual grated grill). The recipe isn’t modified much at all from the original, which I found here. [...]
Nat says on March 09 2011 at 3:42 pm:

These are fantastic! I was nervous about them sticking to my grill, but they grilled perfectly and without sticking. They’re fabulous with chopped jalapeno peppers added into the bean mixture, and topped with avocado, cheese, and salsa.
Lacey says on June 27 2011 at 6:23 pm:

I make these all the time and love them. My friends often request them if they are coming over for dinner. I’ve also discovered that subbing flax for the breadcrumbs and for the yogurt allows you to veganize them, if necessary. But, I love them any way especially with a slab of avocado.

Love the blog! Keep up the amazing recipes!
Linda says on August 14 2011 at 8:55 am:

I am a newbie to the vegetarian world. Made these for dinner and everyone LOVED them. Looking forward to making them again and again!
This ‘n That – July Edition « i ♥ food says on September 09 2011 at 10:44 am:

[...] eggs I’ve eaten this past month. Egg on salad – delicious! Egg and bacon on a black bean burger – delicious! Egg on a quinoa patty – delicious! In my opinion, you just can’t [...]
Black Bean Burgers for Summer Nostalgia « Hearty Herbivore says on November 18 2011 at 11:26 am:

[...] Let’s pretend we’re at a cookout, featuring BEAN BURGERS. [...]