Oats: Black Bean and Oat Burgers

Sheila is the queen at using everything, like I've said before. She won't let anything go bad without figuring out a way to incorporate it in something. These burgers were inspired by her in the sense that I already had EVERYTHING I needed at home. 

I had a ton of already cooked black beans (from the papaya salad) and needed to do something with them so I wouldn't have to throw them away. 

I remember making a variety of these burgers a couple years ago, that didn't turn out so well and thought I'd try them again. The last time they kind of fell apart because it appeared there was too much water in the burgers, presumably from the vegetables. So this time I let them drain a little on a paper towel before making them.

Black bean burgers are a great protein substitute because a combination of legumes (beans) and grains (oats) consists of the all of the amino acids required to create a perfect protein. 

In theory, too, using the right oats, the burgers are also gluten-free and delicious.

The buns, however, are not. They were the perfect combination of sweet and salty mixed with the spicy (ish) burgers. 

I made sweet potato fries in the oven the way that Sheila taught me to make them perfectly. Everything about this meal was delicious.

Black Bean and Oat Burgers

serves 6

2 cups cooked black beans 

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper

1/2 small red onion finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne grounp pepper

1/2 tsp salt (can be omitted if using canned beans)

1 egg 

Mix 1.5 cups of black beans in a food processor with spices and oats. Add to mixing bowl with vegetables, the rest of the beans, garlic, and egg. Mix until well-combined. Form 6 patties. Lightly grease frying pan on medium heat and cook burgers (flipping once) until browned on both sides.

Serve on bun with cheese and garnish of your choice.

Honey Oat Beer Buns

makes 6 buns

1 Tbsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup + Tbsp Warm Beer (warm in microwave 20 secs).

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1/8 cup honey

1 large egg

1/2 tsp salt

1.5 all purpose flour

1/3 rolled oats

Combine yeast and warm beer. Add oil and honey and allow to sit for 5 minutes. 

Add yeast mixture to a stand mixer. Add Egg, Salt, Flour, and Oats. Using knock attachment, mix until dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 2-3 minutes.

Remove dough to a floured surface and divided into 6 pieces. For smaller sliders, divide into 12 pieces.

Place on a greased baking sheet, cover and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven 425 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until outside is golden brown. (recipe from here)

Oven Sweet Potato Fries

serves what you make

Sweet potato cut in fry form

extra virgen olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat over to 425F. Mix sweet potato fries with olive oil and salt and pepper until well-coated. Place in single layer (this helps them get crispy) on baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through.

 

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