Black bean burgers to curb the burger craving.

So, you are craving a burger but you don't need the calories and fat??

I present to you, my first black bean burger.  It will satisfy the burger craving until you can or should eat an actual burger.   I has about 1/10th the fat and calories of a regular cheeseburger, and it really ain't all that bad.   Kinda even looks like one.  ;)

Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained well

1/2 green bell pepper 

1/2 onion

3 cloves garlic

1 egg

1 tablespoon worchestershire

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon hot sauce

3/4 cup bread crumbs

2 dashes of crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning powder

Burger buns

Directions

In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.

In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.

In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, worchestershire and hot sauce.

Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs and ranch dressing  until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.

If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side.   If frying, use 2 tablespoons of oil and fry for about 6 minutes per side on medium heat.  

To make these your own...add some strong cheese, and pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, mustard, ketchup, light mayo, onion...whatever your favorite toppings are to make these taste as authentic as possible.  These burgers will allow you to have a burger flavor for about one tenth the fat and calories of a normal greasy burger, especially if  you are on a lowfat/low calorie diet.  They can satisfy the burger need.  If you aren't watching your calories....go get you a Whopper, but your heart will love you for choosing this burger instead.    Heck, 10 minutes later, you won't even know the difference.    ;)

So as always...eat what you love and love what you eat!  Just keep it healthy.  :)