Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I have such a thing for veggie burgers. I love ordering veggie burgers when I go out to a bar or pub for dinner because they never make me overly full. Last summer, my husband and I got addicted to these awesome veggie black bean burgers from Costco. We would grill them, then break them apart and create a burrito bowl with them.
When I looked at the nutrition facts of the Costco burgers I was a bit startled by the sodium levels. I decided I would attempt to recreate them myself and make them much healthier.
The reason I decided to make them into balls instead of patties is because they're so much easier to cook. I just through them in the oven on a sheet pan lined with foil and non-stick spray versus babysitting them on the stove. Also, I figured if I made a black bean burger I'd have to pan fry it in oil, where the "meat" balls I wouldn't have to cook them in any unnecessary fat.
Well, I must say, these "meat" balls turned out incredibly yummy. They're super hearty without being too heavy and they're just bursting with delicious Mexican flavor. We served ours on top of white rice with salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, and homemade avocado crema. YUM! All of the toppings we used are entirely optional so feel free to make the burrito bowls however you please!
Black beans are incredibly nutritious as they are packed with a ton of protein and fiber. Both of these are necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive track and regulating blood sugar. Black beans also contain antioxidants which are said to prevent against many forms of cancer.
Ingredients:
2 cans black beans- drained and rinsed
1 onion- diced
2 cloves garlic- minced
1 red bell pepper- diced
1/2 cup cilantro-chopped
1 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. sea salt
3/4 cup whole grain/whole wheat bread crumbs
2 eggs- beaten
optional toppings- rice, extra cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, shredded cheese
Avocado Crema Ingredients:
1 avocado-scooped out
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 lime-squeezed
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheet with foil and non-stick cooking spray
2) Heat olive oil in a pan over medium high heat and add onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden.
3) Add bell pepper and garlic to the onions and cook another 2 minutes.
4) Add cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and black beans.
5) Using the back of a wooden spoon- mash half of the black beans.
6) Turn the heat off and pour the mixture into a bowl. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
7) Add bread crumbs and eggs to the bowl and mix with a spoon.
8) With wet hands take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball and place on lined baking sheet. Repeat this until you have about 24 balls.
9) When the balls are formed place in oven for 30 minutes (flipping half way through)
10) While the balls are cooking, make the avocado crema by placing all ingredients in a food processor.
11) Blend everything together until creamy. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
12) When the black bean "meat" balls are done, assemble your burrito bowls however you like!
