Black Bean Burger

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups canned black beans drained

• 1/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms

• 1 tsp chopped garlic

• 3/4 cup oats

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup cilantro

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• 4 Tbsp vegetable oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Soak mushrooms in warm water for 5 minutes or until soft. Strain and save water.

2. In a food processor, combine mushrooms, beans, garlic, oats, spices, soy sauce, salt and pepper.

3. You want the burgers to be the consistency of raw meat. You don't want mixture to crumble in your hands and you don't want it to stick to your hands either. Add oats to thicken burgers and mushroom water to thin.

4. Stir in cilantro and let mixture sit for 5 minutes.

5. Divide mixture by 4 and make large patties. Cover and refrigerate patties for 15-20 minutes in the fridge. Patties can be made a day ahead. 

6. Coat patties in the panko bread crumbs on both sides.

7. In a large skillet on medium, heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Fry patties 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

8. Let rest on a wire rack for 1-2 minutes before serving. 

9. Add your favorite toppings*

*The burger pictured includes a toasted bun, avocado, grilled onions, Beecher's cheese and Mama Lil's Hot Hungarian Peppers