Vegan Black Bean "Burgers" (Gluten Free)

 Flavorful Vegan Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can black beans 
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
fresh ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 carrot,coarsely grated
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup quick oats
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
Vegan buns or whole grain bread
soy cheese or mozzarella, sliced thin (optional)
sliced tomatoes
Dijon mustard (optional)

Method:
Rinse black beans in a sieve and set aside. Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium/low heat. Add onions, garlic, pepper and salt. Cook until the onions are translucent. Add carrots cumin, coriander, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking just until the carrots are tender. Remove pan from heat.
In a bowl, mash the beans with a potato masher or fork. Add the vegetable mixture, oats and soy sauce to the beans. Stir with a fork until thoroughly mixed. Form into four 3/4 inch patties. Line a pan or plate with foil. Form mixture into four 3/4 inch thick patties and plce on lined pan. Place in freezer for just 30 minutes to set.

Ready to go into freezer.

Cook both sides of the veggie patties in a pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
Serve on a vegan bun with sliced tomatoes, cheese and mustard. Or, layer a slice of bread, cheese, tomato, bean patty, and another slice of bread. Cook in a frying pan, just like a grilled cheese sandwich. These burgers pair nicely with a salad, soup or potatoes.

 Grilled Patty Melt

Notes: I grilled the black bean patties and the sandwiches on a George Foreman Grill. They turned out perfect: moist, flavorful and nutritious!