Savory Cuban Black Bean Burgers
These Savory Cuban Black Bean Burgers are a delightful twist on traditional vegetarian fare, bringing together the rich flavors of black beans, cumin, and cilantro for a mouthwatering experience. Inspired by a classic recipe from Cooking Light Magazine, these patties are both healthy and satisfying. Each burger is carefully crafted using a blend of wholesome ingredients including egg whites for binding, and a kick of Monterey or Jalapeño Jack cheese for creaminess. Perfectly paired with rice, greens, and your choice of salsa and sour cream, these burgers make an excellent entree for any meal. Plus, they reheat beautifully in a toaster oven or skillet, making leftovers something to look forward to!
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned black beans
2 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (Freshly minced)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Dried cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Egg white
1 large (Beaten)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Jalapeño Jack cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Chopped red onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Cornmeal
1/3 cup (For dredging)
Cooking spray
(For pan frying)
Cayenne powder
To taste (Optional for heat)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and thoroughly draining the canned black beans to ensure excess moisture is removed.
2
Set aside 1/2 cup of the beans whole for added texture.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1 1/2 cups of black beans, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried cilantro, and salt. Use a fork to partially mash the beans, leaving some chunks for texture.
4
In a food processor, blend the reserved 1/2 cup of beans with the egg white until smooth and well combined, approximately 30 seconds.
5
Add the bean puree to the partially mashed bean mixture in the bowl and mix until all ingredients are fully integrated.
6
Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped red onion, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty that is approximately 1/2 inch thick.
8
Place the cornmeal on a plate or shallow dish, and gently dredge each patty, making sure they are thinly but thoroughly coated.
9
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, and coat it lightly with cooking spray.
10
Carefully add the patties to the pan, cooking for about 4 minutes on each side or until they are beautifully browned and crisp.
11
Once cooked, carefully transfer the patties to plates with a spatula.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
28
Carbs
11.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cuban Black Bean Burgers?
These are a vegetarian entree inspired by Cooking Light Magazine, featuring black beans, cumin, cilantro, and Monterey Jack cheese.
How many calories are in each Savory Cuban Black Bean Burger?
Each burger contains approximately 210 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, these burgers are completely vegetarian, using black beans as the primary protein source.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides about 11.25 grams of protein.
What type of cheese should I use for these burgers?
The recipe recommends shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Jalapeño Jack cheese for a bit of a kick.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
The recipe uses a large beaten egg white and a bean puree as a binding agent to help the patties hold their shape.
What provides the 'Cuban' flavor in this recipe?
The combination of black beans, ground cumin, minced garlic, and cilantro gives the burgers their savory Cuban-inspired profile.
Why is cornmeal used in this recipe?
The patties are dredged in cornmeal to provide a thin, crispy coating when pan-fried.
Can I make these burgers spicy?
Yes, you can use Jalapeño Jack cheese and add cayenne powder to taste for extra heat.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to be divided into 4 equal portions to make 4 burger patties.
How thick should I make the black bean patties?
Each patty should be shaped to be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What is the best way to cook these burgers?
They should be cooked in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side until browned and crisp.
Do I need to mash all the beans?
No, you should set aside 1/2 cup of beans to puree with the egg white and partially mash the rest to maintain some texture.
What should I serve with Cuban Black Bean Burgers?
They pair perfectly with rice, greens, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, these burgers reheat beautifully in either a toaster oven or a skillet.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free, as it is the primary coating.
How much fat is in one burger?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each burger contains approximately 28 grams of carbohydrates.
Do I need to use oil for frying?
The recipe suggests using a light coating of cooking spray in a non-stick skillet rather than deep frying in oil.
Should I use fresh or canned beans?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of canned black beans, which should be rinsed and thoroughly drained.
Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried cilantro, fresh chopped cilantro can be substituted for a brighter flavor.
What kind of onion is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped red onion for a mild, sweet flavor.
Do I need a food processor?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend 1/2 cup of the beans with the egg white to create a smooth binding puree.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of freshly minced garlic.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt, or you can add more to taste.
How long does the blending process take?
Blending the reserved beans and egg white takes approximately 30 seconds.
Can these be grilled?
Because of their texture, they are best suited for a skillet or non-stick pan rather than an open grill grate.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients total, including optional cayenne powder.
Are these burgers considered a quick meal?
Yes, with simple preparation and a 8-minute total cook time, they are ideal for a quick, healthy meal.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic version found in Cooking Light Magazine.