Black Bean Burgers

We had some leftover, plain white rice in the fridge from our gumbo a few days ago… you know, the orphaned rice that usually sits there unused in the fridge until it’s converted to a dried puck. Well, this simple recipe is an adaptation of The Chef In You’s Grilled Black Bean Burgers (see link for step-by-step pictures). And it turned out to be a great, easy way to put that rice to use.

Amounts below are an estimation of what I used, and for the most part I used what was on hand. The recipe is highly adaptable. We plan to try it again the next time we have brown rice left over, and we expect to play around with various spice combinations too. Greek burgers? Barbecue? There’s lots of possibilities.

Black Bean Burgers
Prep time: 15 min, cook time: 15 min

1 3/4 cup cooked white rice
4 1/2 cups cooked black beans (three cans)
2 medium onions, diced
3 heaping tbsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp cumin
2 tsp dried cilantro
salt to taste
slices of pepper jack or other cheese (optional)

1. Drain the beans of any liquid and mash well with a potato masher or back of a spoon.
2. In a sauce pan, saute the onions, garlic and spices until the onions are translucent.
3. Mix all ingredients (hands are a great tool to use). Shape into patties.
4. Grill patties in a pan sprayed with oil (I used the saute pan). Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top for the last few minutes of cooking time, if desired.

We added a slice of tomato. You could also add onion slices, greens or your favorite burger toppings!