Black Bean Burgers

The most frequently asked question I get when I tell my meat eating friends that I'm a vegan: 

"When was the last time you had a burger?" 

"I had a burger last week." I tell them. "A black bean burger."

Yes, vegans can eat burgers. But not the kind of burgers that give you heart disease and high cholesterol. Vegans eat all kinds of burgers - black bean burgers, tofu burgers, veggie burgers, quinoa burgers, red beet burgers, etc. My personal favorite? Definitely black bean burgers. 

I love beans. They keep you full and satisfied. Not only are beans super high in fiber and protein, but they are also really cheap (organic beans included)! Black beans are also high in vitamins and minerals that are essential to your body:

• folate
• copper
• manganese
• vitamin B1
• phosphorus 
• magnesium
• iron

Besides all of the nutritional benefits, these burgers taste heavenly! 

Packed with spices and flavor, you'll have forgotten about unhealthy old beef patties.  

Don't believe black bean burgers taste good? Take my little brothers word for it. This kid is T. Rex when it comes to meat, but even he LOVES these black bean burgers. 

Ingredients (makes 6 burgers):

• 3 cans organic black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3 tbsp cumin
• 3 tbsp garlic powder 
• 2 tbsp onion powder 
• 2 cloves minced garlic 
• 2 tbsp salt 
• pinch of pepper 
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• organic sprouted whole wheat buns 
• tomato
• lettuce 
• organic ketchup etc... 

Directions: 

In a large bowl, mash the black beans, garlic, and spices together. Once the mixture can hold it's shape, form into patties. Coat an iron skillet with the olive oil and fry each side of the patty for 2-3 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Serve on sprouted whole wheat buns with condiments. Enjoy!