Black Bean Vegetarian Burger

I used to feel like I was “missing out” when making healthy food choices. I felt resentment whenever I’d see other people eating whatever they wanted. I felt like eating healthy was so hard and didn’t yield fast enough results. It was even worse during my yo-yo dieting days when I’d be at home resenting my husband and daughter for eating pizza while I was chewing on celery sticks.

Back then I wasn’t aware that healthy food could also be delicious. Then Veggie Lisa came into my life, not only is she an amazing vegetarian chef, she’s an amazing fitness guru too. After you initially rid yourself of the junk cravings, healthy foods will not only satisfy you’ll crave them. What you eat is going to make up for almost 80% of your results. So keep that in mind as your collecting recipe ideas for staying on track with your fitness and health goals.

Prepare to be amazed…

Black Bean Burgers

INGREDIENTS:
2 pieces toasted whole wheat bread
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp seeded and deveined jalapeno pepper, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ¼ c cooked brown rice
1 tsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ c chopped cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:
In a food processor, pulse bread to form crumbs, set aside. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, jalapeno and cumin and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour mixture in food processor and add: black beans, brown rice, lime juice, salt and pepper. Pulse until beans are chopped, but do not puree. Scrape mixture into bowl and add half of the breadcrumbs and all of the cilantro. Stir until combined.

Form patties (I like to make a big ball about the size of a small baseball and flatten out). Place patties on parchment lined sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
To cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in pan and fry patties on medium for 4-5 minutes each side.

Top burger with greek yogurt, crushed pepper, cilantro, avocado, tomato and wrap in a lettuce leaf. Enjoy!