The family was at Chili's the other day and my son ordered a black bean burger. To my surprise, it was not half bad. So, I decided to try my hand at coming up with a black bean burger recipe. It should not be that hard, I remember my mom make bean patties when I was young, about 30 years or so ago.

So here is what you need:

• Black Beans - 1 can
• Garlic - optional - I just like garlic
• Salt - optional - I use sea salt - but its your burger - season to taste
• Pepper - optional - Cayenne or Ground Black Pepper - season to taste

• Egg
• Bread Crumbs - this is where it gets fun depending on how you like your bean burger - if spicy use the premixed spicy bread crumbs, if Italian style - use the premixed Italian style and if regular - use plain bread crumbs
• One tbls. extra virgin olive oil - that is what I use - but any cooking oil would work - even bacon grease, but that kinda defeats the purpose

Options:

• If you like it hot - add a dash hot sauce - your choice of type
• Italian Style - add a dash of Italian dressing
• Regular - add some Worcestershire sauce

Making the Patties:

• Drain and rinse black beans - place in bowl
• Finely chop garlic - one to two cloves - depending on how much you like garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Add one egg to bowl
• 1/2 cup of bread crumbs - your choose of style
• Optional - sauce of your choice
• Mash together with fork or potato masher until semi-smooth
• Form patties - size is up to you

Frying the Bean Burger:

• 1 tbls. Oil to nonstick skillet over medium heat
• Cook patties 5 to 6 mins. a side or until lightly brown - it will resemble a beef burger

Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy.