The Ultimate Black Bean Burger

We have been making burgers for a while now, and each time I am never satisfied. I follow most of the recipes that I have come across online to the T, and our burgers never keep their shape. The taste is good, but they are too soft and mushy. I figured maybe we need to add some texture so we added tofu. Then, I came across some leftover brown rice in the fridge so added that to the mix. We made polenta fries also as an appetizer to munch on while we make the burgers. Had some of the polenta ends leftover so added that to the burger mixture as well. Mixed it all together with some cooked black beans, refrigerated for a half hour, and they turned out wonderful.

1/2 can black beans, drained and cooked*
1/4 slab of extra firm tofu, pressed
1/4 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 cup cooked polenta
1 cup breadcrumbs

* For cooked black beans, you will need:
1/2 onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, deseeded and minced
1/4 green bell pepper, minced
1/4 red bell pepper, minced
1 tsp garlic paste
1 chipotle pepper from adobo sauce
1 tsp taco seasoning
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Salt to taste

Condiments for burgers: cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, spicy mayo, mustard, ketchup

1. Sautee the onions and peppers in some oil. Once they turn translucent, add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Finally, add in the cumin powder, taco seasoning, cilantro, lemon juice, salt and black beans and mix together. Cook for a few more minutes. Let cool.
2. Once the black bean mixture cools, process the mixture in a good processor along with the crumbled tofu and breadcrumbs.*
3. Remove into bowl. Mix in the cooked brown rice and polenta. Refrigerate for about a half hour to let the mixture firm up.
4. Divide the mixture into equal parts and form the patties with your hand. Cook the patties on a skillet with a little bit of oil for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Turn over and cook other side. While the bottom of the burgers are cooking, add some sliced cheese on top.
5. Assemble your burgers. Lather on the spicy mayo on both buns. On the bottom bun, stack on the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, burger and finish it off with the mustard and ketchup.

With the protein of the tofu and black beans, this is definitely serves as a satisfying meal. We both loved the way this one turned out, so it will be showing up on our dinner table quite a bit.