Black Bean Smash Burger

Here are my two keys to making a good textured veggie burger:

  1. Limit moisture in the burger mix

  2. Use two thin patties instead of one thick one.

COMPONENTS

Black Bean Burger (Enough for two [2 patty] burgers)

  • 250 g slightly undercooked, drained black beans

    • Or 1 can of drained black beans

  • 20 g bread crumbs

  • 3 g salt

  • 20 cranks black pepper

  • 2 g msg (optional)

  • 1/2 beaten egg

  • A spoonful of cornstarch (optional)

  • Cheese of your choice

Burger Sauce

  • 1 part mayo

  • 1 part ketchup

  • 1 part mustard

  • 1 part finely minced onion

  • Chile powder

  • Smoked Paprika

  • Garlic Powder

Burger accouterments

  • Toasted brioche bun

  • Sauce

  • Pickled Onions

  • Shredded lettuce

  • 2 slices tomato

METHOD

  1. Add the black beans and bread crumbs to a food processor and pulse a few times until lightly combined.

    • Note: If using canned black beans toast them in a pan or in the oven for 10 minutes to remove moisture. If you do not have a food processor, finely mince the beans by hand.

  2. Pour the bean mixture into a bowl and add 20 cranks of black pepper, 3 grams of salt, 2 grams of msg, and mix it together.

    • Note: Feel free to add other spices, herbs, onions, garlic, etc. - just don’t forget the salt!

  3. At this stage, it's still pretty mealy so we need to bind it with one beaten egg. I like to add about half to start, then add a spoonful of cornstarch. Mix this together until you can form a ball that sticks together. If it feels too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs, or if it's too dry add a little more beaten egg or water. Form into four roughly 65 gram balls

    • Note: The mixture can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days whenever ready to cook.

  4. To cook, set a cast iron over high heat. Lay down a could bit of peanut oil or favorite high heat oil. Once hot, place the ball on the pan and a piece of parchment paper over top. Smash down with a metal spatula. Let the crust develop for 2-3 minutes then flip over. Add your cheese of choice to one patty and place the other one on top to let melt for 1-2 minutes.

  5. Assemble the burger with a toasted bun, burger sauce, pickled onions, tomato, lettuce, the burger, and more sauce on top.

Ethan Chlebowski