Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky BBQ Sweet Potato & Black Bean Patties?
They are a homemade plant-based burger made from baked sweet potatoes, black beans, brown rice, and BBQ seasonings.
Are these patties vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses vegan ingredients including vegan Worcestershire sauce and plant-based binders.
How should I prepare the sweet potato?
Bake the sweet potato whole until tender, let it cool, then scoop the flesh out of the skin.
Should the black beans be mashed completely?
Mash them until mostly smooth, but leave some whole beans to provide a better texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free certified.
What kind of rice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice.
Why must the mixture be refrigerated for 2 hours?
Chilling the mixture allows the ingredients to set, helping the patties hold their shape during baking.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
How long do the patties bake in total?
They bake for a total of 40 minutes: 25 minutes initially, then another 15 minutes after flipping and glazing.
When do I apply the BBQ sauce glaze?
Remove the patties after the first 25 minutes of baking, brush both sides with BBQ sauce, and return to the oven.
How many patties does this recipe make?
The recipe yields approximately 6 equal-sized patties.
What gives the burgers their smoky flavor?
The smokiness comes from the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and dried chipotle powder.
Is there a substitute for vegan Worcestershire sauce?
You can use additional soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar if you do not have vegan Worcestershire sauce.
How many calories are in one patty?
Each patty contains approximately 140 calories.
What is the protein content of each patty?
There are 5 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in the patties?
Each patty has about 1.67 grams of fat.
Are these patties high in fiber?
Yes, each patty provides approximately 3.33 grams of dietary fiber.
Should I use oil for baking?
Brushing the tops lightly with olive oil before baking helps the patties become crispy.
What toppings are recommended?
Try avocado, tomato, sautรฉed onions, bread and butter pickles, or yellow mustard.
Can I add coleslaw to the burger?
Yes, serving coleslaw on the side or on top of the patty adds a great crunch.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the chipotle powder necessary?
The chipotle powder is optional and provides a bit of heat and extra smokiness.
Why should the patties rest after baking?
Resting for 5 to 10 minutes helps the patties firm up so they don't fall apart when handled.
Can I use a food processor to mix the ingredients?
It is recommended to use a potato masher and stir by hand to maintain a hearty texture.
What type of black beans should I use?
Use one 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed.
Are there any spices in the mix?
Yes, the recipe includes salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder.
What if my mixture is too wet to form patties?
Ensure you have chilled it for the full 2 hours; if still too wet, add a small amount of extra breadcrumbs.
Is the onion cooked before adding to the mix?
No, the 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion is added raw to the mixture before baking.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the patties from sticking.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, cooked white rice can be used as a substitute for brown rice in this recipe.