Bean Burgers

By Alqualonde

This grilled bean burger makes a wholesome, healthy alternative to beef. This kid-favorite recipe is also a popular sandwich if you are on a vegetarian diet.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup dry fine bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup bottled salsa
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup coarsely crushed baked tortilla chips
• 3 pitas (2 ounces each, 4-inch), halved
• 12 lettuce leaves
• 12 slices tomato
• Bottled salsa

Preparation

Step 1

1. Prepare charcoal grill with medium-hot coals or heat gas grill to medium-high (or heat oven broiler). Lightly coat grill rack or broiler-pan rack with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Reserve 1 cup of the pinto beans. Whirl remaining beans in a food processor or mash with fork in large bowl until smooth.

3. In large bowl, combine the reserved 1 cup beans, the pureed beans, bread crumbs, the 1/2 cup salsa, egg, chili powder and cumin. Stir in crushed chips. Shape into six patties. Coat both sides of each patty with nonstick cooking spray.

4. Grill or broil about 4 inches from heat, turning once, about 10 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted in centers registers 160 degrees F. Serve in pita pocket halves with lettuce and tomato slices. Serve with additional salsa.