Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 can black beans, 15 oz (425 g) each, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus 2 tbsp for frying
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup panko or dry breadcrumbs, 45 g
• ½ cup Cheddar cheese, 50 g, grated, optional
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
• ¾ tsp fine salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 6 burger buns, toasted, to serve

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C, or 145°C (295°F) fan, gas mark 3). Pat the beans dry, spread them on a lined sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes, until they look dry and a few have split.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and bell pepper for 5 to 6 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mash the beans with a potato masher or fork, leaving about a quarter of them in pieces.
4. Add the cooked vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, cumin, paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper and mix well.
5. Divide into 6 portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Chill for 10 minutes.
6. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until crisp and heated through. Avoid pressing on them.
7. Serve in toasted buns with your favorite toppings.