HOLISTIC CHEF EDDIE'S TIP OF THE DAY #43

Meatless burgers are becoming very popular these days.  I thought I'd chime in with my BLACK BEAN BURGERS.  Burger King and McDonald's are both offering this vegan option.  I would much rather make my own burger.  I'll tell you why. I don't trust the chains with the quality of the ingredients they are using.  For example, in their regular burgers a study was done whereby the burger was left out for two years.  It didn't decompose or disintegrate.  I never go into these fast food restaurants (except when I'm in dire straights and need to use the restroom).  From then on my trust was even less.  In order for the burgers to be truly vegan, you have to cook the product on a separate grill with separate kitchen tools.  I wonder if they are doing that.  In any case, no worries about this recipe.  I've been cooking these Black Bean Burgers for years now and everyone who tastes them can't get enough.  I have a client who loves them so much I make 24 at a time and she freezes them.  If you are truly a vegan, don't be fooled by these big chains.  Do some research on your own to make sure you are happy with what you are paying for.  

             BLACK BEAN BURGERS

5 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large Sweet Onion, diced
1 Tablespoon minced Garlic
1/2 teaspoon dry Oregano
1 Tablespoon minced Jalapeno Pepper (optional)
1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
2 cups drained Black Beans, mashed leaving some broken up beans
1/2 cup medium grind Corn Meal (make sure it is organic to avoid GMO)
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
2 Tablespoons Braggs Liquid Amino
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
 2 Tablespoons minced fresh Cilantro
Organic Medium Grind Corn Meal (to coat burgers)

1)  Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add 2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic, Oregano and Jalapeno Pepper (optional) and stir occasionally.  When the Onions begin to brown, add the Green and Red Bell Peppers.  Saute for 5 minutes over low heat  and remove.  Set aside.
2)  In a medium sized bowl mix the mash the Black Beans with a potato masher, leaving mostly a smooth consistency and some chunky broken up Beans.  Add the vegetables with mashed Beans.  Stir in the Corn Meal, Braggs Liquid Amino, Chili Powder, Cumin and Cilantro.  After mixing well form 5 - 6 patties using about 1/2 cup of the mixture.  Dip the Burgers into Corn Meal to lightly coat both sides.
3)  Either brown the Burgers in a skillet with the remaining oil or grill them until brown on both sides.  Serve with a gluten free bun with Lettuce and Tomato.  Add a slice of vegan Cheese or regular cheese if you are not a vegan.  You don't have to be vegetarian or vegan to love these delicious and nutritious burgers.