Black Bean Burgers

Packed with veggies, these burgers are a healthy option for any family cookout. This recipe comes to us from our friends at the meal planning service The Scramble.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 15 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste or salsa
• 1/4 red onion, minced (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 6 whole wheat hamburger buns
• 6 leaves iceberg lettuce, for serving (optional)
• 1 tomato, sliced, for serving (optional)
• 6 slices Cheddar or Muenster cheese, for serving (optional)
• 1/2 cup salsa, ketchup, mustard and/or barbecue sauce, for serving (optional)

Food for Thought: Burgers can be found everywhere from restaurant menus to backyard grills. But have you ever wondered how they became so popular? The word hamburger has origins in the town of Hamburg, Germany, where traditional hamburgers were first invented. But it was American chefs who really created the burger we know and love. Now, burgers come in many varieties and even use foods like beans instead of meat for a flavorful, nutritious twist. What’s your favorite way to eat a burger?

Cooking Tip of the Week: Firing up the grill this holiday weekend? Cook these burgers over medium heat in a cast iron pan alongside your other grilling favorites – the burgers may crumble if placed on the grill directly.

Family Dinner Conversation Starter: What are you most excited about doing this summer?

Directions:

Together: Coarsely chop the beans in a food processor or mash them with a fork.

Kid: Place the beans in a large mixing bowl and add the tomato paste, onions, bread crumbs, vinegar and egg.

Together: Mix it well and, using wet hands, form the mixture into 6 patties.

Together: Place the cornmeal in a shallow bowl or plate. Coat the patties on both sides with the cornmeal. (You can store the uncooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.)

Adult: In a large nonstick skillet or heavy skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the patties for 2 – 3 minutes on each side, until they are browned. Drain them on a paper towel.

Together: Serve them warm on buns, with desired toppings.