Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Guacamole

Quinoa and black beans are two proteins that are just meant to be together. The original recipe for the burgers is from Vegetarian Times, but I made a few alterations. I also added a slice of Daiya cheese (Havarti style wedge) and I made some guac to top it off. The recipe also calls for steak seasoning, and as a vegan, I don’t typically stock up on that stuff, so I went with a blend of Old Bay and a Garlic and Wine seasoning. And don’t expect a dry consistency with these burgers—they’re crispy on the outside and soft and moist inside. These can be made ahead, and even frozen, so they make a great lunch as well when you don’t have a lot of time.

INGREDIENTS:
Burgers:
1/2 C quinoa (I used a blend of red, wheat, and black quinoa which I found in the bulk section of the store)
1 C onion, chopped fine
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped fine
1 15-oz can black beans, drained, rinsed, and divided
2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Garlic & Wine seasoning
1/4 C flax seed
5-6 hamburger buns
Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
1/2 C diced tomatoes
2 Tbs red onion, diced
1 Tbs lime juice
1/4 C cilantro, optional
2 tsp Mt. Elbert All Purpose Seasoning from  Savory

DIRECTIONS:
In a small saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups of water with the quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, combine the onion and sun-dried tomatoes. The oil left on the tomatoes will be plenty of oil for sauteeing. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add 3/4 cup of the black beans, garlic, seasoning, and 1-1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor, along with 3/4 cup of the quinoa and process until smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and add the rest of the black beans and quinoa. I also added some flax seed to the mix. Season with salt and pepper.

(Yes, I know, it looks really unappetizing right now…)

I made these earlier in the day, so I covered the mixture and let it cool in the fridge for about an hour. When you’re ready to make the patties, preheat the oven to 350. Spray a pan with cooking spray and set aside. Make 5-8 patties (depending on how large you make them) and place onto the pan.

Bake for 20-22 minutes, then flip and bake another 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make the guac, mash the avocados with a pastry blender. Add the other ingredients and combine thoroughly.

If using Daiya cheese, throw a slice or two onto the burgers during the last minute of baking—it’ll melt quickly.

Enjoy!

Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Guacamole

 

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Quinoa and black beans are two proteins that are just meant to be together. The original recipe for the burgers is from Vegetarian Times, but I made a few alterations. I also added a slice of Daiya cheese (Havarti style wedge) and I made some guac to top it off. The recipe also calls for steak seasoning, and as a vegan, I don't typically stock up on that stuff, so I went with a blend of Old Bay and a Garlic and Wine seasoning. And don't expect a dry consistency with these burgers---they're crispy on the outside and soft and moist inside. These can be made ahead, and even frozen, so they make a great lunch as well when you don't have a lot of time.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 5-6

Ingredients

• Burgers:
• ½ C quinoa (I used a blend of red, wheat, and black quinoa which I found in the bulk section of the store)
• 1 C onion, chopped fine
• 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped fine
• 1 15-oz can black beans, drained, rinsed, and divided
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic & Wine seasoning
• ¼ C flax seed
• 5-6 hamburger buns
• Guacamole:
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
• ½ C diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbs red onion, diced
• 1 Tbs lime juice
• ¼ C cilantro, optional
• 2 tsp Mt. Elbert All Purpose Seasoning from Savory

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups of water with the quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, combine the onion and sun-dried tomatoes. The oil left on the tomatoes will be plenty of oil for sauteeing. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add ¾ cup of the black beans, garlic, seasoning, and 1-1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor, along with ¾ cup of the quinoa and process until smooth.
4. Transfer to a bowl and add the rest of the black beans and quinoa. I also added some flax seed to the mix. Season with salt and pepper.
5. I made these earlier in the day, so I covered the mixture and let it cool in the fridge for about an hour.
6. When you're ready to make the patties, preheat the oven to 350. Spray a pan with cooking spray and set aside. Make 5-8 patties (depending on how large you make them) and place onto the pan.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, then flip and bake another 12 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, to make the guac, mash the avocados with a pastry blender. Add the other ingredients and combine thoroughly.
9. If using Daiya cheese, throw a slice or two onto the burgers during the last minute of baking---it'll melt quickly.
10. Enjoy!

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