Birthday Celebration and Black Bean Burgers

Hello my veg enthusiasts! This is your favorite traveler updating you on her adventures, and sharing another recipe. So it was my birthday recently, and I had tons of fun going out with my Peru Crew! Not only did I go out for some amazing food (Vegan 'pizza' and veg sushi takeout for later)  I even went on a midnight hike! It happened to be the full moon that night, and what better place to view this magnificent sight, than from the ruins of Temple of the Moon. Now I know I have talked about Temple of the Moon in another post, but seeing Temple of the Moon at midnight is like seeing the ruins for the first time ;)

Not cheesy, but Still Good Pizza 

The night was an absolute blast but Temple of the Moon is quite a walk uphill, and I woke up the next morning with sore quads. (I may have been skipping and running up the mountain a bit...or a lot.)  But I guess its a good excuse to post another high protein meal! This recipe is an oldie but a goodie. It's one of my weekend grilling staples I pull out when I need to impress but don't have a lot of time or ingredients. I've made it bunches of times for my friends and I can assure you that it is a hit with omni's and veggies alike! Get ready for a blast of southwest flavor with my Black Bean Taco Burgers! 

Black Bean Taco Burgers

Cooking Montage (Photo Credit Shelby Ayde) 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: Grill-20 Pan-15
Serves: 5-8 burgers


Ingredients

*2 cans black beans, rinsed

*1 can chili beans, rinsed

* Half can corn

* Egg Replacement (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water) 

*Taco Seasoning

*Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse beans. Pat dry with paper towel, or do this step the night before and let beans dry in the fridge. (To be honest I've actually used a hair direr to dry the beans when I was in a pinch for time. Just make sure the beans don't fly everywhere  >.<) 

2. Mix flax with water and put in fridge for at least 15 minutes. If you don't have flax, ground chia seeds will also work. You can grind either of these things in a coffee grinder if they are not pre-ground. This substance is what will bind your mixture. 

3. Smash your beans. A spoon would work, otherwise  your hands, a meat tenderizer, and a potato masher are all also options. Try and make sure their aren't any whole beans left. Add in corn and mix it up. 

4. Mix your seasonings and flax mixture into your beans. Be generous with your taco seasoning, I would shake in at least 6 tablespoons or more. Salt and pepper to taste. Make sure there is enough pepper!

5. Form patties on a plate, and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge. Let set for at least 2 hours before cooking. 

6. Cook! If you make these on the grill, be careful when flipping so they don't fall apart. You can also fry these on the stove-top with some oil, or bake them until crispy in the oven. Toast your buns ;) and add your burger toppings. Some sort of chipolte sauce would be amazing! 

Official Taste Tester  :) 

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy my version of a black bean burger! Make sure you don't add too much corn, or the big pieces will make it so your patties don't stick well. These patties are definitely versatile, so if you want to try other spices than what I listed, feel free! I highly recommend topping these with avocado, bell-pepper (cooked or raw) and a slice of red onion. 

 If you try this recipe and you like it, I would love to hear about it! Please feel more than free to post your amazing pictures in the comments. :) 

Love from the Peru Crew 

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