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By Matthew Rees

Food and Health Fact #121: Preparing chipotle black bean burgers

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This week's "food for thought" excerpt is a recipe from Simply Plant Based: Fabulous Food for a Healthy Life (2021), by Vanita Rahman, MD.

Black beans and sweet potato are the framework for these firm, succulent burgers. Showcase them on whole-grain burger buns with all the trimmings.

1 large sweet potato, unpeeled
1 15 ounce can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, lightly packed
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
Lay the sweet potato in the lined pan and bake for 40 minutes, until a fork can be easily inserted into the center. Let cool for 15 minutes, then coarsely chop.
Put the sweet potato and beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or the back of a sturdy large fork until slightly chunky. Add the onion, cilantro, chili powder, and salt and stir until well combined.
Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Lightly mist the skillet with canola oil spray.
Cook the patties in the skillet until golden brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes per side