Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers

These are amazing!  This is a burger that Ashley made all on her own and I'm so happy to report that I only made one minor tweak -- and only because I didn't have one of the ingredients on hand.  but I loved the change (fennel instead of sunflower seeds)! 

They were hearty, delicious, and just what a beautiful Friday night called for!

before baking

 Bake, pan fry, or grill them.  You could even just eat the "dough" plain.   Either way, you should just make sure you make them!

after baking

I served these with some Greek Eggplant from the other night and an Herbed Polenta that I'm working on perfecting.

Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers
Serves 8

• 1 can black beans - rinsed and drained
• 3 c cubed sweet potatoes (skins on) - about 2 large ones
• 1/2 c corn
• 3/4 c chopped onion - about 1/2 a medium onion
• 2 T minced garlic
• 1/2 c cooked quinoa
• 6 T rolled oats - pulsed halfway to "flour"
• 1 t cumin
• 1 t basil
• 1 t oregano
• 1 T fennel
• 1 T OO

-- Mash half the black beans until they are all pasty.  Add the other half in and mash/stir just slightly.
-- Smush the sweet potatoes.  You don't want them to be the consistency of mashed potatoes.
-- Combine everything in a large bowl and mix.
-- With a 1/2 c measuring cup, "spoon" mixture into your hands and make into 8 patties.  Place on a greased cookie sheet and slide into the fridge to "set" for a little bit.
-- Bake for 30 minutes (15 minutes each side) at 375.  Pan fry for 6-8 minutes each side in a little hot oil.  Grill by baking for 25 minutes (15 mins on one side, 10 on the other) and then grilling for the remaining bit.
-- Serve on whole wheat buns with your favorite burger toppings!