Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Instructions

1. Prepare and Sautee the Vegetables

   • Dice the red pepper, chipotle pepper, red onion, garlic and kale.
   • In a medium pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil or butter to medium heat. Sauté veggies until translucent, fragrant, and water is cooked off. Add liquid smoke, brown sugar, mix well and set aside until cooled.
2. Prepare the Mixture

   • Drain and rinse black beans, corn and garbanzo beans.
   • In a small bowl mash the entire can of garbanzo beans with a fork. Measure out ⅔ of a cup of corn and ⅔ cup black beans. Set remaining aside for another time.
   • Add the now cooled sautéed vegetable mixture to mashed garbanzo beans, incorporating in the black beans and corn. Add bread crumbs, BBQ sauce and cornstarch to the bowl. With your hands, or a heavy spoon, mash the mixture together until fully incorporated.
3. Chill the Mixture

   • Use the underside of a spoon to level and pat down the mixture. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the mixture for easier patty formation.
4. Form the Patties

   • Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and form it into 8-10 patties.
5. Cook the Patties

   • Option 1: Shallow fry the patties in 2 tablespoons of neutral oil for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
   • Option 2: Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray or grease with oil/butter. Bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   • Serve on buns and enjoy!