Lean & Mean Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground grass fed/finished beef or bison (optional)
• 1 398ml can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup raw zucchini grated
• 1/2 cup raw cauliflower grated
• 1 egg (omit yolk in phase 1)
• 1/2 whole rolled oats (ensure oats are gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp fresh ground pepper
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup raw and unsalted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Bun Options:

• 1 slice eggplant for open-faced burger
• 1 portobello mushroom cap for open-faced burger
• 1 gluten free bun, or sprouted grain bun

Directions

1. Vegetarian Option: puree black beans in food processor or mash well with fork. 

Meat Option: leave black beans whole

2. In a large bowl combine meat (optional), zucchini, cauliflower, black beans, egg and oats. Mix with hands. If needing more moisture/stickiness, add another egg. If too wet, add a few more oats a bit at a time. 

3. Mix in seasonings, and if using, the pumpkin seeds. Form into baseball size balls and press into 1" - 1 1/2" thick patties. 

4. These may fall apart on grill, so fry in a pan, or if barbecuing, place on a  greased sheet of tinfoil.