Spicy Quinoa Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayo

Do you ever get those newsletters in the mail from your local community clinic or hospital? I like to read them for updates on preventive health and community updates on medical care, and our local newsletter often includes healthy recipes. My husband was thumbing through one of those newsletters the other day and found a recipe for quinoa black bean burgers that he wanted to try. I made them tonight and they were pretty good! They're not a big juicy beef burger so don't be expecting that, but if you like black beans and a southwest flavor, you'll probably enjoy these.

I served these on whole grain sandwich thins with spinach leaves, a sprinkle of grated monterey jack and cheddar cheese, and a dollop of chipotle mayonnaise (recipe below). Add whatever fixings you like - good ol' lettuce, tomato, and a slice of onion would be great too. Or salsa, even!

My teenage son jokingly nicknamed these hippie burgers because of the healthy non-meat ingredients in them. I love that this recipe was so quick and easy to put together, making it great for a weekday dinner. Served with a side salad and it makes for a filling meal. These hippie burgers will make a great addition to our meatless Monday rotation. :)

Spicy Quinoa Black Bean Burgers
From the Everett Clinic's Connection Newsletter
Printable version
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained in a wire mesh sieve
1/2 cup water
1 - 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 eggs
1/2 cup bread crumbs
3 T. minced onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt (salt to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (like Tapatio)
2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

In a large bowl, roughly mash the black beans with a fork leaving some whole black beans in a paste-like mixture.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Add to the black beans. Add the remaining ingredients except for the olive oil and mix until combined.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Form the black bean mixture into four equal size patties. Cook the patties in the hot oil until heated through and browned, 2-3 minutes per side.

Chipotle Mayonnaise
Makes about 1/2 cup

Ingredients:
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 - 1 chipotle pepper (from a can, just one of the peppers), minced OR, 1/4-1/2 tsp. chipotle powder depending on how spicy you want it
1 T. hot pepper sauce (like Tapatio)
1 T. lemon juice (optional)

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Add to your burger. Now eat up!

Link parties:
The Mandatory Mooch, Craftionary, This Gal Cooks