The Simplest Bean Burgers Mark Bittman Recipes

THE SIMPLEST BEAN BURGERS (MARK BITTMAN)

Steps:

• Combine the beans, onion, oats, spices, salt, pepper, and egg in a food processor and pulse until chunky but not puréed, adding a little liquid if necessary (this is unlikely but not impossible) to produce a moist but not wet mixture. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes if time allows.
• With wet hands, shape into whatever size patties you want and again let rest for a few minutes if time allows. (You can make the burger mixture or even shape the burgers up to a day or so in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate, then bring everything back to room temperature before cooking.) Film the bottom of a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet with oil and turn the heat to medium. A minute later, add the patties. Cook until nicely browned on one side, about 5 minutes; turn carefully and cook on the other side until firm and browned.
• Serve on buns with the usual burger fixings. Or cool and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

BLACK BEAN BURGER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Combine the beans, onion, oats, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and egg in a food processor. Pulse until chunky, but not pureed. The mixture should be moist, but not sticky. Add a little liquid if needed.
• Grease a baking sheet.
• Use your hands, a spoon, or an ice-cream scoop to make patties. Drop these onto the baking sheet.
• Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are nicely colored and lift easily from the baking sheet. Flip and bake for 15 more.
• You can also broil these burgers, or cook them in a hot cast iron skillet, or on the grill. They cook a lot faster using these other methods, so just be sure to keep an eye on them.

BLACK BEAN BURGERS

Steps:

• Soak the mushrooms in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes; roughly chop.
• Put the mushrooms, beans, garlic, oats, spices and soy sauce in a food processor with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the machine run until the mixture is combined, not puréed, about 30 seconds. (Or use a potato masher.) Add oats to thicken, or liquid to thin, as needed.
• Stir in the cilantro, and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Shape into 4 large or 8 small patties; let them sit for 5 minutes.
• Put the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until crisp on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until the burgers are crisp on the other side, another 5 minutes or so. Serve with the usual fixings.