Coconut Curry Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients

BURGER

• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained well
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 garlic clove or 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow curry paste (red works too!)
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut milk (depending on consistency)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 dash cayenne
• 1 whole egg
• 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 14 ounces tofu ground meat substitute
• 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, of your choice (lightly toasted in the oven) or buns, of your choice

SAUCE

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 dash soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

TOPPINGS

• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup shredded cucumber
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 1 bunch fresh mint
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro

Directions

1. 1

   BURGER PREP:.

2. 2

   In a food processor, blend black beans and all ingredients (except the bread crumbs and tofu meat)until a smooth consistency. Spatula ingredients into a large bowl and gradually incorporate breadcrumbs into mixture. Add tofu meat and stir to combine.

3. 3

   Add more bread crumbs if mixture is too loose. If mixture is too thick, add coconut milk.

4. 4

   Form mixture into 6 patties and place on wax paper. Put in freezer for up to 30 minutes for patties to set.

5. 5

   Once set, heat a grill pan or frying pan with a small amount of non-stick spray. Grill or fry the burgers about 4-5 mintues on each side or until brown. Be careful when flipping as the burgers can be fragile.

6. 6

   Set each burger aside in a baking pan and place in a warm (175-200 degrees) oven until ready to use (not more than a half hour).

7. 7

   SAUCE PREP:.

8. 8

   Put peanut butter and all of the ingredients into a sauce pan on low-medium heat and let melt, stirring often. Let lightly simmer for about 1 minute then reduce heat to very low and heat for an additional 3 mintues, stirring occasionally.

9. 9

   TOPPINGS PREP:.

10. 10

    Slice and dice herbs (cilantro and mint) and veggies.

11. 11

    To compose the burgers:.

12. 12

    Place a black bean patty on each of the bottom buns. Top with a generous drizzle of the peanut sauce, a spoonful of the carrot/cucumber mixture, a couple leaves of mint and cilantro, and a sprinkle of green onion.

13. 13

    Top with the bun top & have some napkins handy.