Best Black Bean Burgers - Ever!

I really enjoy eating a juicy cheeseburger with my favorite toppings on a toasted bun. Nevertheless, in an effort to add more meatless meals to our dining repertoire, I've tested several veggie or bean burger recipes with some success. But, tonight I combined part Weelicious veg-wee burger with part La Bonne Cuisine black been burger and created the best meatless burger - ever!

Black Bean Bulgur Burgers


2 cans (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 egg
1/2 cup Bulgur Wheat
1 C water
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup salsa
Few shakes of garlic powder
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup shredded cheese of your choice
2 Tablespoons oil

Bring one cup of water and 1/2 cup bulgur wheat to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce and simmer 13 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, mash black beans with fork or potato masher. Add cooked bulgur wheat, onion, egg, salsa, garlic powder, pepper, and cheese; mix well. Using a 1/3 C. measuring cup, drop mixture into preheated skillet containing oil. I use a cast iron skillet which turns out beautifully browned burgers. Flatten the burgers slightly for better cooking and turning results. Cook on medium heat for 3 minutes. Carefully flip burger. Cook on second side until firm and brown - approx. 4 minutes. The secret is to only flip the burger one time or it may fall apart.

Top your burger with all your usual fixings and enjoy the best meatless burger you've ever had.

This recipe makes eleven mini burgers which are great for leftovers and freeze well too.