Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup carrots, diced
1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1 tablespoon canola oil
4-5 slices of provolone or pepper jack cheese

Add the olive oil and veggies to a frying pan, and cook at medium-high heat until veggies begin to soften.  While the veggies are sauteing, add  the beans into a medium-sized mixing bowl.  Mash them up a bit with a potato masher, leaving about 1/4 of the beans whole.

Add the sauteed veggies to the bean mixture and stir to combine.  Add the remaining ingredients (reserving the canola oil for frying the patties in) and mix together.  (It's best to use your hands to mix everything together at this point).

Divide mixture into 4 or 5 patties, depending on your preference of patty size.  After forming the patties, fry them in the canola oil until golden, about three minutes per side, over medium-high heat.

Top with the cheese of your choice, once bean burgers are flipped.

Serve on hamburger buns, with mayonnaise, greens of your choice, and tomatoes.

Tip:
Start your patties in a cold pan to give the patties a nice crunch on the outside.
For delicious go-to lunches at home, wrap patties individually and freeze.  When you need lunch in a hurry, just grab a patty, microwave until hot, and assemble as usual.

Calories: 198 | Total Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 53mg