Black Bean Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries

This is one of our favorite meals.  You can use any type of beans that you like, I usually do use all black beans.  Just be sure that don't skip the Corn Salsa and "Guacamole" -- they really are the 'icing on the burgers'!

Corn Salsa:  Combine 1 can corn, drained (fresh or frozen is great if you have it.  Since we're cutting the sodium, I used fresh.), 1/2 c chopped tomato, 1 green onion, 1/4 c cilantro, 1 diced jalapeno pepper, juice of one lime.

"Guacamole"

I have this in quotes because it's truly not guacamole -- just 2 avocados mashed and combined with the juice of 1 lime but it's fantastic on these burgers!

Here are a few helpful tips for some of the ingredients used in this recipe.
If you use Cilantro, you know it goes 'bad' very quickly.  I learned this neat trick -- Wash and dry the Cilantro and put it in a jar with a little bit of water.  Put a plastic bag over the leaves and store in the refrigerator.  It really works!  I've had this bunch of Cilantro for TEN DAYS and it is as fresh as the day I bought it!

Lots of recipes may call for fresh lime juice but not the peel.  I never throw the squeezed limes (or lemons) away! Toss them into a ziplock bag and put in your freezer.  When you DO need lime peel, pull them out and grate.  Since they're frozen, they will be really easy to grate as well!  The reverse is true, using the peel, I toss the lemons or limes in the freezer and have them to use for juice another time.

An easy way to get your avocado ready for mashing -- using a knife, cut the meat of the avocado in both directions (and make sure you don't jab the knife through the skin and out into the palm of your hand . . . just sayin').  Using a spoon, scoop out all of the little diced pieces.

And finally, here's the recipe for the burgers:


2/3 c onion, 4 cloves garlic, 2 t cumin, 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed, 4 slices light, bread, 2/3 c Cilantro, 1 c walnuts, salt, pepper, 2 eggs (or 1/2 c egg substitute).  Combine all in a food processor.  Chill for about an hour and form into patties. (It IS a sticky mixture so sometimes I may flour my hands to form the patties.  Cook in non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray until lightly browned.  Top with corn salsa and guacamole.

Sweet Potato Fries

Peel and slice four large sweet potatoes.  Brush with 2 t olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 t half and half salt (or regular), 1/4 t black pepper, 1/2 t paprika, 1/4 t red pepper flakes, 1/4 t garlic powder.  Toss together with your hands or in a plastic bag to coat evenly.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, Toss and bake 20 minutes longer or until golden brown and cooked through.

A great, healthy meal that you'll actually ENJOY!