I’m always on the hunt for creative vegetarian main courses because my nephew doesn’t eat meat. The trick is to find something that not only satisfies him but keeps the rest of our family happy, too. These black bean burgers are a hit—they’re cheesy and toasty, have great texture thanks to tortilla chips, and they don’t cost a lot to make. In fact, this recipe made with beef instead of beans would be twice the price.
Serves: 4 as a main dish
Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus 30 mins. to chill)
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups cooked black beans
1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips (preferably blue corn chips)
1/2 cup salsa, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 scallion (white and green parts), trimmed and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Use a food processor or potato masher to smash the beans in a large bowl until you have a rough-textured and chunky mixture with a few semi-whole beans left. Stir in the tortilla chips, salsa, cheese, egg, scallion, salt, and pepper. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes to allow the chips to absorb some of the liquid, then shape into 4 patties.
Place the patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the buns on a baking sheet and place in the oven until warm to the touch, 4 to 6 minutes. While the buns warm, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Set the burgers in the pan and cook until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the burgers, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and cook until the other side is golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and serve the burgers topped with salsa and sour cream (if using) and on the warmed buns.
Reprinted from the book Ten Dollar Dinners. Copyright © 2012 by Melissa d’Arabian. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc.
Also, see these great recipes—perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any day of the year:
Rice with Green Pepper and Jalapeno
Pork Carnitas
Easy Pico de Gallo
Burrito Bowl
Turkey Taquitos
Sweet Potato Empanadas
Applesauce Empanadas
Non-Alcoholic Sangria
Spiced Tilapia Tacos and more!
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Celebrity chef, TV host, author, and mom expert Melissa d’Arabian earned her MBA and worked in corporate finance and strategy before becoming a stay-at-home mom to four daughters. After winning The Next Food Network Star in 2009, Melissa launched Ten Dollar Dinners—a popular Food Network television show followed by a New York Times best-selling cookbook. Her newest projects include a FoodNetwork.com web series, “The Picky Eaters Project: Melissa’s Mealtime Redesign” and serving as a regular judge on Food Network competition series, Guy's Grocery Games. Melissa lives in Coronado with her family.
