Vegan Black Bean Burgers (Firm & Smoky)

Serves 4 burgersPrep 20 minCook 12 minTotal 1H2 min

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, 15 ounces each, drained, rinsed, and dried
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 3 tablespoons water
• ½ cup plain vegan breadcrumbs or panko
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the pan
• 4 burger buns, to serve
• Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and vegan mayonnaise, to serve

Method

1. Dry the beans. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the drained beans on a baking tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the surface looks dry and slightly wrinkled. Leave them to cool for a few minutes.
2. Make the flax binder. Stir the ground flaxseed and water together in a small bowl. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture should become thick and gel-like.
3. Mash the beans. Add the cooled beans to a large bowl. Mash about three-quarters of them with a fork or potato masher. Leave some beans whole.
4. Add the flavourings. Add the flax mixture, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
5. Combine the mixture. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed. The mixture should hold together when squeezed. If it feels wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If it feels dry, add one teaspoon of water.
6. Shape the patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a compact patty about ¾ inch thick. Press the edges together and smooth any cracks.
7. Chill. Place the patties on a plate or tray. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This gives the breadcrumbs and flax time to firm the mixture.
8. Cook the burgers. Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy frying pan over medium heat. Add the chilled patties. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side, without moving them.
9. Turn once. When the underside is deeply browned and the patty releases easily, turn it carefully. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.
10. Serve. Toast the buns in the same pan if you like. Build the burgers with lettuce, tomato, pickles, vegan mayonnaise, or other toppings.