Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Packed with fiber and a serving of veggies, these burgers are flavorful and easy to make. Top them with your favorite condiments, just as you would a beef burger.

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 Anaheim or jalapeno pepper, cored and finely chopped
1 (14.5-ounce can) black beans, drained and rinsed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add half the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened. Add the carrots, cook another 2 minutes, and then add the pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl stir together the beans, oats, parsley, spices, hot sauce and remaining oil.

Remove the vegetables from heat and fold into the bean mixture.
Either mash using a potato masher or transfer to a food processor and pulse a few times. The texture should be half pureed, half chunky. (Pureeing them entirely will yield a gummy burger.)

Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes or overnight.

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Remove the burger mixture from the fridge and divide into four portions. Pat each burger into a 4-inch flat circle, using a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap if needed.

STOVETOP DIRECTIONS: Coat the skillet with cooking spray, and place the burgers in the pan, careful to leave space between each one.
Cook for four minutes per side, carefully flipping using a thin spatula.

OVEN DIRECTIONS:
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through the cooking process. Spritz the tops with cooking spray for a crispier exterior.

Serving Size: Makes 4 burgers