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For these spicy black bean burgers, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced These main ingredients form the base of your burger. Black beans give a rich flavor and protein. Quinoa adds texture and nutrients, while breadcrumbs help bind it all together. The spices add heat and depth. Here are the spices you'll use: - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Chili powder gives the burger its kick. Cumin adds warmth, and smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Toppings can make your burger even better. Consider these options: - Avocado - Lettuce - Tomato - Spicy mayo - Salsa Toppings add freshness and flavor. Avocado brings creaminess, while spicy mayo gives an extra kick. Feel free to mix and match! Start by mashing the black beans in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to get them mostly smooth. Leave some chunks for a nice texture. Next, add the cooked quinoa and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Then, mix in the chopped red onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Now, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until the ingredients blend well. You want a thick mixture that holds together. If it feels too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs. This helps make it easier to shape the patties. Once your mixture is ready, divide it into four equal pieces. Take each piece and shape it into a patty. Make sure the patties are not too thick. They should be about one inch tall. If they fall apart, add more breadcrumbs. Place the patties on a plate and set them aside. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to be crispy and heated through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. While cooking, you can toast the whole grain buns in another pan or on a grill. Toast them until they are lightly golden. After the patties are done, take them out and place them on the buns. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, or spicy mayo. Enjoy your homemade spicy black bean burgers! To make your spicy black bean burgers hotter, use more jalapeño. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky kick, try adding chipotle powder. Mix these spices well into your burger mix. You can taste as you go. This way, you control the heat level to match your taste. For a juicy burger, mash the black beans but leave some chunks. This adds great texture. If your mix feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. This will help the patties hold together better. Shape them firmly but not too tight. This keeps them soft inside while getting crispy outside when cooked. You can cook these burgers in a skillet or on a grill. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 5-6 minutes on each side. If grilling, make sure to oil the grates first. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those lovely grill marks. Both methods keep the burgers warm and tasty. {{image_2}} You can switch black beans for other beans. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas work well. Each will change the flavor and texture. For a fun twist, try lentils. They add a nice earthiness. Just mash them like black beans. Adjust spices to match each bean's taste. To make these burgers vegan, skip the eggs. The recipe already uses beans as a binder. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This small swap keeps the burgers light and tasty. You can also use oats as a binder. Just pulse them in a blender before adding. Add cheese for a creamy layer. Cheddar or pepper jack gives a nice kick. You can fold in fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for freshness. For a smoky touch, add smoked gouda. These additions make each bite unique. Experiment with flavors you enjoy. To store your leftover spicy black bean burgers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. If you plan to freeze the burgers, wrap each patty in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the burgers for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your burgers, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil if needed. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep them nice and crispy. Enjoy your delicious spicy black bean burgers again! To reduce the heat, skip the jalapeño. You can also use less chili powder. Adding more quinoa or breadcrumbs helps balance the spice. Topping your burger with creamy avocado or sour cream can also cool it down. Try these changes to enjoy a milder burger. Yes, canned black beans work great! Just rinse and drain them well. This saves time and effort. Canned beans are soft and mash easily, making them perfect for burgers. Look for low-sodium options to keep the flavors clean. If you need a substitute, use oats or crushed cornflakes. Ground nuts also work well for a crunchy texture. You can even use cooked rice or quinoa as an alternative. Just make sure the mixture holds together when shaping into patties. You learned how to make tasty black bean burgers. We covered the main ingredients, spices, and optional toppings to enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, shaping, and cooking the patties. You also discovered tips for spiciness and ideal textures. We explored variations to make the recipe fit your needs. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy your cooking and taste the difference homemade burgers make!

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Savor the flavor with these easy and delicious Spicy Black Bean Burgers! Made with wholesome black beans, quinoa, and a kick of jalapeño, these mouthwatering patties are perfect for a quick meal. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dish loaded with texture and taste. Don't miss out on topping your burger with fresh avocado and spicy mayo for an extra zing. Click through to explore the complete recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Whole grain buns

Optional toppings: avocado, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo, or salsa

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or a potato masher until mostly smooth. Leave some chunks for texture.

    Add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

      Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until firm enough to shape.

        Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the burger patties to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are crispy and heated through.

          Toast the whole grain buns on a separate pan or grill until lightly golden.

            Assemble the burgers by placing the patty on the bottom half of the bun, adding desired toppings such as avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or salsa.

              Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4