Recipe: Black Bean Burgers

I love pretty much anything in burger form.....beef burgers, veggie burgers, chicken burgers.......and black bean burgers.  I love how the possibilities are practically endless when it comes to sprucing up a burger.  There are so many toppings, breads, and seasonings that can take a bland burger and turn it into a wham burger (I know....bad joke.....I just couldn't help myself)!

I make these black bean burgers pretty frequently in our home.  They're cheap, easy, quick, and nutritious.....and did I mention that they taste good as well!  What more could you ask for?

Black Bean Burgers

1 1/2 cup of cooked black beans
2 slices of 100% whole wheat or 100% whole grain bread (crumbled or pulverized in food processor)
1/4 cup of corn meal
1 large egg (beaten)
1 clove of garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Canola oil for cooking

1.  Put the black beans in a medium bowl.  With you hands, smash the beans.  There will be some beans that are still whole, but about 1/2  to 3/4 of the beans should be smashed.
2.  Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the canola oil.  Mix well.
3.  Separate the black bean mixture into 4 equal parts.  With your hands, take each part and shape into a patty that is about 1/2 inch thick.
4.  Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil in a pan.  I like to use a cast iron skillet, because it allows the burgers to get a good sear on the outside.  Sear the black bean burgers until they get a nice golden brown crust.
5.  Serve the burgers on wheat hamburger buns and with your choice of toppings/condiments.