Black Bean Sweet Potato Burger Recipe

Black beans: These provide a rich source of protein and fiber, giving the burgers a hearty base.

Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and a soft texture to the patties.

Bread crumbs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds a slight crunch.

Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice to the mix.

Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth of flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the burgers.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and sharpness.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the patties to a golden brown.

When forming the patties, make sure your hands are slightly damp. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and help you shape the patties more easily. Additionally, pressing the patties firmly will help them hold together better during cooking.

• Black beans - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative for a hearty burger base.

• Sweet potato - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweetness and texture when cooked, offering a comparable flavor profile.

• Bread crumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe gluten-free.

• Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace the herbaceous notes of cilantro.

• Ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the other spices in the recipe.

• Smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder adds a smoky, spicy kick that can enhance the overall flavor of the burger.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory, umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different aroma.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for cooking the burgers.

• To keep your black bean sweet potato burgers fresh for a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure they have cooled completely before placing them in the container to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.

• If you want to enjoy these burgers later, freezing is a fantastic option. First, let the patties cool completely after baking. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the patties are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. These burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen black bean sweet potato burgers, you can reheat them directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen patties on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen patties in a skillet. Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat and cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have a nice, crispy exterior.

• For a quicker option, you can also use a microwave. Place the frozen burger on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Note that this method may not yield as crispy a texture as baking or skillet reheating.

• If you have leftover burger mixture that you haven't cooked yet, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. When you're ready to cook, simply form the patties and follow the cooking instructions.

• For longer storage of the uncooked burger mixture, you can freeze it as well. Shape the mixture into patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to cook, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the cooking instructions.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the black bean sweet potato burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated thoroughly.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the burgers in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Microwave Method: Place the burgers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and slightly crispy.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the burgers with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until heated through and grill marks appear.

• Food processor: To combine the black beans, grated sweet potato, bread crumbs, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well mixed but still slightly chunky.

• Skillet: To cook the patties in olive oil over medium heat until browned on each side.

• Baking sheet: To transfer the patties after browning and bake them in the oven until firm and cooked through.

• Oven: To preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties for 15-20 minutes.

• Spatula: To flip the patties in the skillet and transfer them to the baking sheet.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the bread crumbs and chopped cilantro.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Grater: To grate the sweet potato.

• Can opener: To open the can of black beans.

• Colander: To drain and rinse the black beans.

• Mixing bowl: To hold the black beans after draining and rinsing before transferring to the food processor.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Drain and rinse black beans and grate the sweet potato the night before to save time.

Use a food processor: Combining ingredients in a food processor speeds up the mixing process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the patties to save waiting time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for quick meals later.

One-pan method: Cook the patties in an oven-safe skillet to skip the transfer step.