Black Bean Burger

     Ok, so I (Brooks) am a bit of a gym rat.  I work out hard, then come home and eat these fantasticly (not healthy) meals.  They say a six pack is made in the kitchen, and well mine hides in the pantry.  I thought about a good, healthy, high protein meal, and found one.  I took the basic recipe and made it better.  This works great for you vegetarians, and actually tastes money. 

Ingredients:
1 can black beans strained and rinsed
1 medium green bell pepper diced
1/2 yellow onion chopped
1 garlic clove chopped
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp crushed black pepper
1 tsp garlic chili sauce (optional)
1 egg
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tblsp olive oil


 In a food processor, add the onion, pepper, garlic, and dry spices and pulse 2 or 3 times until all same size.  Add the beans and pulse only a couple of times keeping the beans somewhat together.  Now mix in by hand or with a fork, the egg and bread crumbs.  Form into patties. (Hint: They aren't beef obviously so don't make them too thick or else they will be mushy.)  In a skillet or on a grill pan, heat the olive oil on medium high, and fry up the patties.  They will brown very similarly to burgers.

Serve plain on the side of a salad, or on a bun with your favorite burger toppings. This is a good substitute for beef, and will work for those who love burgers but don't love the meat sweats. Enjoy.