Recipe: Chili's Guiltless Black Bean Burgers (copycat recipe)

CHILI'S GUILTLESS BLACK BEAN BURGERS

"Our meatless black bean patty topped with low fat ranch, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion." - Chili's Menu Description

FOR THE BLACK BEAN BURGERS:
About 1/2 of an egg
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 ground cayenne pepper
About 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or more, as needed)*
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley*
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

FOR THE SANDWICHES:
4 gourmet wheat hamburger buns
Low fat ranch dressing
Shredded ice-berg lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickles
Red onion slices

Mix one egg in a bowl. Use half of the mixture in the next step.

Combine black beans, onion, bell pepper, cayenne, half of the beaten 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 shape patties 24 hours ahead and refrigerate so they will set well.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties 2 minutes each side.

TO SERVE:
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.

*HOW TO MAKE BREAD CRUMBS:
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.

Makes 4 burgers
Source: Famous Restaurant Recipes by Sallie Stone