Black Bean Smash Burgers

Step 1

To a food processor, add your cooked quinoa, black beans, bread crumbs, salsa, spices and salt.  Blend until a partly chunky, partly smooth mixture is formed.  If it’s too much of a paste, the burgers will be on the mushier side.  You do want it to be able to hold together well though.

Step 2

Add burger mixture to a medium sized bowl and make sure everything is mixed together well.  You can chill your burger mixture for up to 4 days, or make your patties right away.  This recipe should make enough for about 8 thin patties, making 4 burgers total.

Step 3

Form the burger mixture into your 8 thin patties.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a couple teaspoons of olive oil.  Once hot, place burger patties into the pan and use a spatula to really press them down.  Cook until each side is browned and crispy, 5-7 minutes each side.  Melt a slice of cheese onto 4 of the patties.

Step 4

Assemble your burgers:  lay down your bottom piece of bun and top with any toppings you desire.  Next, carefully place the patty with the melted cheese down and then top with a second burger patty.  Top with any other toppings you like and place the second piece of bun on the top.