Vegan Veggie Burgers

Veggie burgers are the "go to" vegetarian meal in the summertime and I've definitely made my fare share in the last few months.  Here is the link to my standard veggie burger recipe, but I've been trying to figure out a really yummy vegan version.  I've tried a few ideas, but then when I was standing in the aisle at Whole Foods yesterday to buy the beans, I saw the refried beans and thought, huh, I wonder it those would work as a binder....  They sure did, well, that mixed with some chia seeds and I must say, I think these are the tastiest veggie burgers I've ever made!  I always theme my veggie burgers and these ones are Mexican flavored.  I hope you enjoy!

Mexican Vegan Veggie Burgers

Makes 8 patties

What you'll need:

1 can refried beans (I used pinto, but you could use black too)

1 can black beans, rinsed

1/2 onion, chopped (here is my how-to chop an onion without crying post)

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 ear of corn, zipped (about 1 cup if you are using canned or frozen)

1-2 roma tomatoes, de-seeded and diced

1 green onion, sliced

a handful of cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeno, de-seeded and finely diced

1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/8 cup chia seeds

a few dashes of chili powder

What you'll do:

Basically just mix all the ingredients up in a bowl.  Now, you can adjust the heat by using less jalapeno.  I can't handle very much heat so I use about half.  I also take out the ribs or all the white parts in the pepper. 

Now I'm going to show you my secret trick to making the patties.  Start with tupperware that has a bottom that's about the size you'd like to make the burgers.  These take out containers work great!

Next step is to place a sheet of plastic wrap over the container with the lid off.

Place a few spoonfuls of burger in the container,

and use the back of the spoon to press it into your form/container.

Carefully lift the burger out of the container

and fold the plastic wrap around it.

voila!

Place in the freezer and keep for up to a month.  

When ready to cook, just place in a skillet with a little oil and fry on medium high heat.  I like serving these with lettuce, avocado, and fresh salsa.  Guacamole would also be great!

Printer Friendly Version

Comments

[Julia]

Holy YUM!!!!! My kinda burger!!!

[lynn @ the actor's diet]

i've been waiting for this post since you tweeted about it! yum!

[Lauren at Keep It Sweet]

Great photos, they sound delicious! Usually when I try to make my own veggie burgers they are kind of a disaster.

[Leslie Sarna]

Thanks ladies! Lauren why the disaster?

[Melissajhaynes]

Excellent recipe Leslie; delicious and packed with protein - love it!

[Dessert Darling]

Those look Amazing- I will definitely have to try those someday! xo

[Bree @ The Blog Stylist]

Oh my, that looks delicious! Definitely giving this one a go!

[kimberley]

those look great! I was wondering, if I make the burgers but cook them right away without freezing, would they stay together or break apart??

[Leslie Sarna]

Kimberley, They will stay together, but just be gentle ;) When I make them, I put them in the freezer as I form them, then if I want one right away it's at least chilled down in the freezer a few minutes.
I hope you enjoy them!