Into My Kitchen: Black Bean Burgers
Soooo Matt always yells at me (we’re gchat buddies now) to do more food posts, and while I think he’s actually the only one who reads them, I did just cook a delicious dinner, so I thought I would share it all with you. I’ve been slacking on the cooking front, either turning to take out (hey, I do live in NYC, it’s totally acceptable) or making one of my simple go to meals, which are really just cop outs. These generally include soup + cheese quesadilla (great for dipping!) or some sort of rice + bean + veggie combo.
Anyway, it was time to cook some real food since I can definitely tell a difference in my life and running when I don’t eat properly. I had remembered seeing these awesome black bean burgers on Lauren’s blog, I knew I had to try them! I love burgers, but I hate touching raw meat (oops?), so black bean burgers are a fabulous inbetween. Also, there are so many different ways to make black bean burgers…lots of flavors to explore! I loved that these included sun dried tomatoes…does it get better than that?? Check out her blog for the recipe…I’d hate to steal it from her!
The gist of the recipe? Black beans, oatmeal, sun dried tomato, egg, and spices. Delicious! Check it out:
mmmmm black bean burgers
Of course, you can’t eat a burger by itself, and I personally think that a burger should always be accompanied by French fries, but alas, I don’t have a deep fryer sooo I had to settle for something else. I made some roasted red potatoes to go on the side, along with some asparagus. Here’s the plan for the sides:
Roasted Red Potatoes: Slice up into whatever size you want them to be, toss in olive oil and whatever spices you want (I used black pepper, garlic, and thyme). Spread out on a baking sheet and throw in the oven at 425 degrees until they’re browned to your liking. I like mine crunchy, which took maybe 40-45 minutes. Enjoy!
Asparagus: Wash and snap the bottoms off. Toss in olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with black pepper and garlic. I happen to have this panini press which I used as a grill…threw them on for about five minutes and they were good to go…complete with grill marks, which I think makes any food better. 
Potatoes!!
That’s one plate full of deliciousness.
Annnnnnnd all together now!
That looks like one tasty dinner to me.
I put some mango chutney and salsa on the black bean burgers, which added some extra flavor…not that it needed it! This was quite fabulous and I look forward to eating it for the next couple days…gotta love leftovers. Really, if anyone in NYC wants dinner, please let me know! I love cooking, but cooking for one is annoying, plus I’m 99% sure food was meant to be enjoyed with others. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Annnnnnnd you can’t forget dessert…I checked out 16 Handles for some froyo action and ended up with this monster:
That’s A LOT of froyo.
And I enjoyed every last bite of it. I run a lot, I’ll eat what I want. Yum.
This sounds awesome. I’m going to try this recipe, too.
Okay, you really must stop teasing me and we really must set a dinner date! I can’t cook to save my life but I can eat like a champ. I’ll bring wine and dessert. I’m in Egypt for another two weeks, but how about we plan something for February?
Looks good! Glad you are feeling more at ease and at home in NYC!!
YAY
Nice work!
I also hate touching raw meat, but I looove black bean burgers! These look like tasty business!
I totally agree with Matt….I love your food posts!! YOU MADE THOSE?!?! Okay, it is official I am flying out to NY to eat your delicious food, go for runs together and then go to 16 Handles! Hope you are having an amazing weekend!
Hey, great minds think alike…I also made BB burgers last night. Sometimes I freeze them because I get tired of eating them all by myself, too.
And that froyo looks like a perfect dessert! I agree..running has it’s benefits.
Ok — no joke, I also made these last night!! It’s all I was craving. I guess we’re on the same page about lots of things these days! haha I had mine with sweet potato fries (I just cut the potatoes into fries and bake them so I suppose they’re not technically “fries” but it’s the same concept), but tonight I’m seriously going to try your roasted red potato method. I have a bunch of them sitting in the pantry and wasn’t sure what I was going to do with them until now.
Anyway, I’m really glad you tried them and liked them!! They’re the best go-to recipe, and your entire meal seriously looks gourmet!
Everything looks amazing! Yummy!
I love roasted potatoes. And asparagus. And black bean burgers, although I don’t eat burgers enough because making them gets my darling little hands too sticky. If Tracy goes to your house to dinner, I’m seeking out an invite as well. I’ll bring…bread?
mmmmm those burgers look gooooooood. confession: I had froyo for the first and second time while I was in houston. CRAZY I KNOW!
I also hate only cooking for one. Total lamesauce.
Hi! Lurker fan here…just wanted to say that I’ve made the roasted potatoes twice this week now, they’re so good! And my husband just looooveeees them. Thanks for the recipe!