Totally Addictive Bean Burgers

I think I am going to lose internet access for a couple of weeks, so you probably won't be hearing from me for a bit.  I will be back, though, and I've got several things lined up to share with you.  I have a tutorial in the works that you don't want to miss.   It will be a lot of fun!

Meanwhile, I have a couple recipes to tide you over.  You can make up a batch of these to eat while you stare at your blank computer screen wondering what on earth you will do while you wait for my next post...  Oh, sorry...I was daydreaming again...  Here are those recipes:

The Simplest Bean Burgers
from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman (This is a great cookbook to help you expand your culinary horizons, by the way.  I grew up eating pretty much just meat and potatoes.  This is one of the cookbooks that helped me learn that you can do more with vegetables than just butter and salt.)

2 cups cooked black beans (or white, red, garbanzo, or lentils- but black beans are my favorite)
1 medium onion, quartered
1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1 Tbsp chili powder (you read that right)
Salt to taste (I use about 3/4 tsp)
Pepper to taste (I just guess -- maybe 1/8-1/4 tsp)
1 egg
Bean liquid or water, if necessary

Combine ingredients in a food processor and pulse until chunky but not pureed, adding a little liquid if necessary (I rarely need to add liquid) to produce a moist but not wet mixture.  Let the mixture rest for a few minutes if time allows.

With wet hands, shape into patties.  Heat oil (I use coconut oil) in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet (other skillets will work, but there is just something special about a good cast iron skillet...)  Turn heat to medium, wait a minute and add patties.  Cook until nicely browned on one side (about 5 minutes).  Turn carefully and cook on the other side until nicely browned.

Serve with Avocado Yogurt Sauce.  Makes 4-6 servings (or one serving if you are eating these while impatiently waiting for my next post.)

Avocado Yogurt Sauce
This sauce is also addictive, and when you pair it with the already addictive bean patties you get heavenly bliss for your tongue.

1 cup whole plain yogurt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2-1 avocado
a little lemon juice
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Puree in a food processor.  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.  Serve with bean patties or anything else you can think of.


Try to occupy yourself until I have internet again.  Maybe you could paint your toenails, or play cards.  Or look for shapes in the clouds... If that doesn't help you take your mind off my silence, try waiting until your husband is asleep and paint his toenails.  That ought to help.  It will be hard for you, I know...but I'll see you in a couple weeks!

Angela