Have you ever craved restaurant fare late at night only to find out the restaurant has closed? Now you can make restaurant dishes at home anytime you like and amaze your friends. The author, a seasoned restaurant professional, recreates over 50 items from restaurant menus across America.
Menu Description - "Our meatless black bean patty topped with low fat ranch, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion."
Servings: 4
FOR THE BLACK BEAN BURGERS:
1 1/2 cans black beans (16 ounces each can with one can halved or 24 ounces total), rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped white onion
1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
about 1/2 of an egg
about 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped*
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
FOR THE SANDWICHES:
4 gourmet wheat hamburger buns
low fat ranch dressing
shredded ice-berg lettuce
tomato
pickles
red onion
Mix one egg in a bowl. Use half of the mixture in the next step.
Combine black beans, onion, bell pepper, cayenne, egg, bread crumbs and cilantro or parsley in food processor and blend. If the mixture is not dry enough to shape, add more bread crumbs.
Form and shape into four patties. For best results make 24 hours ahead and refrigerate so patties will set well.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties 2 minutes each side.
Arrange sandwich with patty, low fat ranch dressing, red onion, pickles and one slice of tomato for each sandwich.
*Note: Fresh not dried cilantro or parsley work best in this recipe.
Making Bread Crumbs Tip: Cut fresh bread into cubes. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F until crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes. Process the cubes in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
