There's nothing like enjoying a juicy hamburger  at a picnic, but I also love eating meat-free burgers from time to time. These black bean burgers are made with ingredients that are already in your pantry and can be prepared and cooked in less than half an hour.  These aren't intended to be a meat substitute, but rather a recipe that lets you use your food storage in a new and delicious way.  Black bean burgers can be a favorite meal of carnivores and vegetarians alike!  

Ingredients

1/2 cup onion (fresh or re-hydrated from freeze  dried)

1 Tbsp minced garlic or 2 tsp garlic powder

1.5 cups cooked black beans

1/2 cup bread crumbs

2 Tbsp water

2 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil, divided

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1.5 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Finely dice the onion. Add to a medium bowl with garlic and cooked beans, and mash together with a fork.  Add bread crumbs, water, 1 Tbsp oil, and spices as desired. Stir until mixture forms a moist dough. Shape into 4-6 patties. Heat remaining 1Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in skillet for about 3 minutes on each side, or until crispy on the outside and hot throughout. Serve on hamburger buns with desired condiments.

Tips and notes

You can use a food processor to mix the ingredients together if you want a homogenous dough.

One can of rinsed and drained black beans can be substituted for the cooked black beans.

You can try this recipe with other mild-tasting beans, such as pinto and great northern.

Contributed by Kate Wilt