Healthy Black Bean Burger

• 2 cups canned reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 1 small yellow onion, grated
• 1 large organic egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2T of your favorite oil
• 4 slices cheese (pick your fave)
• mayonnaise, optional, for serving
• burger buns, OR, use Bibb lettuce leaves, for serving
• lettuce, for serving
• tomatoes, for serving

Preparation:

• Transfer black beans to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork or a potato masher until mushy, but still have some whole bean pieces.
• To the bean mixture, add panko crumbs, onion, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined. If mixture is dry, stir in a bit of water.
• Set mixture aside for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add oil and swirl it around.
• Divide the bean mixture into 4 equal balls and shape each ball into a patty.
• Transfer patties to the hot oil and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until browned.
• Add a slice of cheese on top of each burger and cook for a minute longer, or until cheese is melted.
• Serve black bean burgers on toasted buns or Bibb lettuce leaves with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts: