Where’s the beef? Not in these burgers.

BLACK BEAN BURGERS

No ifs ands or buts about it, one of my favorite meals before I decided to become vegan was barbecued hamburgers. It was tough to give up at first to live on a plant-based diet, but I quickly found plenty of substitutes.

Veggie burgers are good, but what I really like are black bean burgers. They’re not only delicious, but black beans are very healthy. Black beans are very high in fiber and protein.
black beans

This recipe also has onions. They lower the risk of cancer and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

When you’re vegan, you don’t consume any animal products and that includes eggs. So in this recipe, you use something I’ve written about before in this blog. It’s called egg replacer. We use a brand called Bob’s Red Mill. It’s a powder that when you mix with water, acts just like eggs when it comes to baking.
egg replacement

This black bean burger recipe I got from Peace Ridge Sanctuary. You can find it on page 57 of the organization’s cookbook of vegan recipes. Peace Ridge Sanctuary is a 7 acre farm located in Penobscot that provides a home to once abused and neglected animals. They have everything from cows, pigs and turkeys to chickens, goats and rabbits. Peace Ridge has rescued animals from small farms, slaughterhouses and even animal testing labs. It’s a place where you can come visit the animals and even volunteer. For more information click here

cookbook

I also wanted to share a few pictures when our family volunteered at Peace Ridge last Summer.
peace ridgePIG PICTURE

Just because it’s a black bean burger doesn’t mean you can’t have all your favorite condiments. Make sure and use plenty of ketchup, mustard, pickles, tomatoes and lettuce.

If you want it to be a true vegan black bean burger, you leave off the cheese, unless it’s non-dairy cheese and you find rolls or buns without dairy.
We like to serve these with sliced up potatoes on the grill.

My mouth is watering just writing this blog.

By the way, it’s safe to say our family loves these burgers and Peace Ridge Sanctuary.

Where’s the beef? Not on these burgers. Enjoy something new with this recipe over the Summer and of course, that vegan thing.

Ingredients

1/2 cups cooked black beans

1 small onion

2 cloves garlic diced

1 tbs fresh cilantro chopped

1 1/4 tsp Bragg’s Liquid Aminos

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp cayenne

Egg replacer for 1 egg

2 tbs peanut oil for cooking

Directions

Process all ingredients, except peanut oil for 20 seconds, in a food processor. Leave a bit of texture. Split mixture into 3 equal parts and flatten into patties. Cook or grill and serve.

Jeff Peterson

About Jeff Peterson

Jeff Peterson anchors Good Day Maine on CBS 13 from 4:30-7:00a.m and on FOX 23 from 7:00-8:00am. Back in 2012, he decided to become vegan. Jeff has lost over 50 pounds and his cholesterol has dropped dramatically. Besides having kids, It's the best decision he's ever made.