Monday- Another Meatless Edition

For you're meatless Monday (or whatever day you choose..) stear away from meat this way- and oh boy, you need this black bean burger in your life- definitly better than anything you will get out of a box in the frozen food section of your grocery store. Two varieties of beans are featured in this recipe-warm earthy spiced black beans, and the bold color burst of red in the dark kidney beans.  Bound together with the wholesome grains of oatmeal for added fiber benefit (cholesterol lowering and quite the happy and-healthy-heart)  The tangy addition of smashed avocados and mayo dressed with lime juice- makes for one delicious sammy- all for about 300 calories.  Roast up some sweet potatoes on the side and you've got a quick and easy dinner meal ready to please!

INGREDIENTS:

Mayonnaise:

1/2 ripe medium avocado, peeled and pitted

2 Tbsp (olive oil) mayonnaise 

The juice of 1/2 of a lime, about 1 tablespoon juice 

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves



Burgers:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained 

1/2 of (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (4oz) can chopped green chiles

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1 large egg white

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 to 1/4  teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking spray

4 large Kaiser or whole wheat buns, split and toasted 4

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 

4 tomato slices

4 lime wedges (optional)



DIRECTIONS:

Place mayonnaise ingredients in a blender, secure lid, and puree until smooth.



Place rinsed beans in a large mixing bowl. Using a meat mallet or large fork, smash beans to a coarse texture. Add chiles, oats, egg white, rosemary, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and shape into four patties.  Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add patties and cook 4 minutes on each side or until they begin to lightly brown. The patties will be fragile, so be sure to turn them gently.



To assemble, spoon 1 Tbsp mayonnaise mixture on each bun half. Top each bottom bun with burger, onion, and a tomato slice. Place bun tops over each. Serve with lime wedges.  If desired, omit the buns and serve the patties on the lettuce leaf, tomato slice, and onion. Spoon the mayonnaise mixture on top of the patties and serve with lime wedges.